[SOLVED] Both Bluetooth & Wifi suddenly gone on Dell Inspiron 7746 ?

[dmob77557]

Hi,

Dell Inspiron 7746
Windows 8.1 64-bit
Wifi: Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265
Bluetooth:
555-BBWC : 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.2, Dual Band 2.4&5 GHz, 2x2
Comcast
340-AKYX : Wireless Card Driver for Intel (R) 7265-AC

PART NUMBER	DESCRIPTION	QUANTITY
DV9K0	SRV,DRVR,7260/5,WIFI,7746	0
YFVY8	SRV,DRVR,7260/5,BLUETOOTH,7746	0
FD4WK	SRV,DRVR,WIDI,7746	0

Suddenly my laptop doesn't recognize/show Bluetooth or Wifi. It only shows Ethernet in the Networks available and there's no option to turn on Bluetooth. I only use my cell and laptop for my home Wifi.

In Device Manager, the 7265 unit was hidden, but now it's gone completely. There's also no more Bluetooth option. I can run internet through the Ethernet cable, but no Bluetooth is a serious kick in the pants.

I've followed about a dozen different guides to solve the issue, but nothing has worked. I've updated the driver for the Wifi, but nothing happened. I didn't do anything in the BIOS, however.

1. Would something like this be a quick fix for internet? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011T5IF06/

2. Is there an equivalent USB drive for Bluetooth capability as well? Or does the 7265 card handle both?

3. Is it likely the hardware just finally failed since it's an old unit?

I'd appreciate any help I can get. If you need more specific information , I can get it. Thanks a lot.

 

[bill001g]

I would suspect there are USB dongles that have both bluetooth and wifi. For some reason I have only used separate ones.

It will likely work to use a USB device BUT I would recommend you do not use ones like you linked. Size matters those very tiny tend to have extremely low power and very small antenna. They are nice and portable but at at the cost of performance. You at minimum want one that is as big as USB memory stick. Best ones
have larger external antenna. The internal cards to transmit at full power and have large antenna mounted behind the screen.

I would look up a youtube video on your machines and see how hard it is to replace the internal wifi card. Some laptops are pretty easy. From what I can tell you laptop uses a intel 7265NGW card. It likely going to be cheaper to buy this than a quality USB device. All depends on how much disassembly it take to install it.

So I reread you post. If you can live with ethernet a tiny bluetooth adapter works fine since they are only used at close range.

 

[dmob77557]

Thanks for the reply. I'd only be using my laptop in the living room where the router is (maybe 10 feet away) or at a cafe/Starbucks. Do you think I'd have trouble connecting with the small USB sticks I linked?

I'll definitely look into replacing the hardware if that's what it is. I'd rather get my hands dirty once than bring an antenna into a coffee shop. I wouldn't want the ladies too excited.

Edit: Damn, kind of seems like a lot. But I guess if the connectors/cords aren't super fragile, I should be able to.

I think RN my main concern is making sure the card actually is broken and it's not something trivial I can fix.