HP Wireless Assistant

The HP Wireless Assistant monitors the connections to the notebook's wireless card or cards, allowing you to manage wireless local area networks (WLAN), wireless wide area networks (WWAN), and Bluetooth wireless devices using one graphical interface. The App displays the status of all the wireless devices allowing you to enable or disable all or some of the wireless devices. This document describes how to install, configure, and use the HP wireless Assistant. A list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) is also provided.

The program is pre-installed as part of the standard HP image for both Windows 7 and Vista operating systems and is available for Windows XP. If it was removed or the operating system was changed, HP recommends that it be reinstalled along with the latest version of the wireless network device drivers for your model and OS.

The HP Wireless Assistant icons in the taskbar notification area indicate the status of all the wireless devices.

FAQ

Does my PC have a wireless device?
Wireless network cards are installed on most HP and Compaq notebooks built since 2004 or earlier. If you have any questions, see the product specification sheet for your model. For older notebooks and desktop computers, there is an external wireless network card that plugs into an express card slot or a USB port.

Is there only one type of wireless card?
Depending on the model, a notebook may have a wireless WLAN, WWAN, and or a Bluetooth card. The WLAN and Bluetooth service may be combined on the same card. The Wireless Assistant will recognize and manage all the wireless cards that are installed.

Should I use the wireless power switch on the outside of my case?
There is a power switch on the outside of the case or above the keyboard to physically turn the power to the card on and off, however, some power switches can also be controlled by software. The most common cause of a lost wireless connection is accidentally turning off the wireless power switch.

Should I leave the wireless turned on at all times?
The wireless cards can be turned off when they are not in use to reduce power consumption when operating on battery power.