Wireless connections icon

For some reason your laptop cannot "see" your wireless router at home, in which case it will not show a wireless network icon anywhere in Windows -- there's no "magic" involved.

Check your router configuration to ensure that it's wireless interface is actually enabled.
Router's are usually configured using any web-browser on a PC or laptop that has a wired connection to the router & typing (in most cases) http://192.168.0.1 in to the address bar, then press the <Enter> key.

While the wireless antenna is actually in and around the LCD screen, the card it connects to is in the bottom (usually) of the lower case.

This view of the DV9000 shows it - if your case is similar, look there for a loose connection.


HP Pavilion dv9000 laptop. Removing hard drive, memory, wireless card, keyboard. >> Inside my laptop

Components inside a laptop are mostly soldered to the main board since once there in place they are intended to remain there for the lifetime of the laptop. They're not designed to be removable by the average joe like the parts inside a tower PC.

HP & Compaq laptops have a reputation for wireless failure owing to them being fitted with cheap wireless adapters which get too hot and self-destruct. It happened to my daughter's Compaq laptop - just after the warranty of course.
So I bought her a USB plug-in wireless adapter for it so at least she has wireless internet again even if it does look naff with a usb dongle sticking out one side!

HP will repair it if it's still under warranty. If it's not they'll charge you. Stay away from HP/Compaq devices in future.

Googling HP dv2418nr parts you will find there ARE wifi cards and antennae available so I would guess they can be replaced somewhat easier than unsoldering.

Maybe not - the poster won't know until it is looked at.

Wow guys... you are amazing...
I think a USB wireless adapter ... may be the best deal for me right now... this is an old laptop... i would say 4-5 years now since i purchased it...

And I did notice it was getting quite hot at the bottom...

Plus I checked prices on a USB wireless adapter and its pretty cheap

CCT @ opening up the laptop is not an option for me... I once opened my TOSHIBA to replace something and it has not been the same ever since....

USB wireless adapter .... will be my choice...

Thanks a lot guys...