HP 2596US wireless problem

Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (More info?)

I've had the Presario 2596US laptop for about 6 mos., using the wired
network adapter up until now. Never before attempted to use the onboard
wireless adapter. Got a wireless router last weekend and lo and behold,
when I push the button that's supposed to activate the wireless adapter on
the Presario, the indicator lamp doesn't light; the wireless adapter doesn't
work; in fact there's no indication in Control Panel or in the hardware list
that there's a wireless adapter present in the laptop at all! If it weren't
for the product specs and the Broadcom sticker on the bottom of the unit,
I'd think they installed the button and lamp by mistake.

I've been with HP tech support for two days running, on and off, and they've
had me download a fistful of HP support software & drivers. None of them
has made any difference. THEN they told me to do a clean install, then
reinstall the drivers that came with the unit, then re-install the HP
software & drivers. As I expected by now, that didn't have any effect
either. Anyone had a similar experience or know what to do to fix it?

This should teach me to test ALL features right after I buy a machine...

It's still under warranty, so I could send it in for service, but I'm
worried what I'll get back. Maybe my best chance is to get a wireless
PCMCIA and forget about the built-in?

TIA for any comments.

jc