Member Avatar for BecketFan

I have a Compaq Presario 2100 series laptop (2110us) that is locking up when I try installing a wireless networking card into the PCMCIA slot. I have tried several different brands (Linksys, D-Link, Trendnet) giving the same symptoms. Here is how it goes:

I install the supplied software as instructed and then shut down my laptop. Next I insert the network card into the PCMCIA slot and turn on my laptop. The laptop fan and lights go on but the monitor is black. Also the harddrive activity indicator light is inactive. The system just hangs. But when I eject the wireless card, my laptop boots normally most of the time. Sometimes it starts to boot and then hangs anyway. To remedy, I simply shut the machine off and restart without the card in the PCMCIA slot and all is fine.

One important point: outside of the PCMCIA card issue, my computer seems to work as it should without any problems.

My laptop did not come with the built in wireless feature that was available in some other notebooks of the same model.

Any suggestions about what might be going on with this laptop's PCMCIA and how I might fix it?

Also, on the bottom of my laptop is a compartment cover which houses the mini pci port for wireless lan. My laptop did not come with this mini pci wireless lan card from the factory, but it has the port. Could I just purchase the mini pci wireless lan card and install it? Or is the process more involved. I do notice that the service manual on the Compaq/HP website shows an on/off switch for the integrated wireless located on the front, right corner of the laptop, which mine does not have, though there is a cover over the location where the switch should be. Also, the same service manual shows an antenae that is supposed to get plugged into the mini pci wireless card. I do not see an antenae when I open the cover to the mini pci port.

Thank you in advance.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by hhlst11

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Quick expert summary for , , and : a laptop that powers up (fans and lights) but never shows video or HDD activity when a PCMCIA wireless card is inserted is stalling during very early hardware initialization — before the operating system and drivers load. That behavior most often means a low‑level compatibility or firmware/hardware problem (not a Windows driver issue).

Troubleshooting steps (order matters):

  1. Check card type first — look for “CardBus” (32‑bit) markings versus older 16‑bit PCMCIA. A 32‑bit CardBus card will not work in a true 16‑bit socket and can cause the symptoms described.

  2. Power on with the card inserted and try to enter the BIOS/POST. If the BIOS screen never appears, the fault is at firmware/hardware level. If BIOS POSTS but Windows fails, the problem is likely software/drivers.

  3. Update or reflash the exact BIOS for your model (get the correct file from HP/Compaq support). Flash only on AC power with battery installed per the vendor instructions — a BIOS update often fixes CardBus enumeration bugs.

  4. Reset and reseat: clear CMOS (power removed, hold power button 20–30s; remove main and CMOS battery if comfortable), clean contacts on the PCMCIA card and slot, and test another known PCMCIA device if available. Physical slot/controller failure is possible if every card causes the same freeze.

If you consider the mini‑PCI route: an empty mini‑PCI slot can accept a compatible laptop WLAN module, but check for the two small coax antenna pigtails under the cover. If antenna leads are missing you’ll get poor reception unless you add them. Some OEMs also control radio with a BIOS option or a hardware killswitch, so check BIOS for an “embedded WLAN” enable/disable.

If these steps don’t help, the practical options are a compatible mini‑PCI install (with antenna) or a USB Wi‑Fi adapter (look for one with an external antenna and driver support for your OS). Flashing BIOS and opening the laptop carry risk — follow manufacturer procedures and back up data first.

Member Avatar for s_chev

I am having this same lock up problem when I try to install a PCMCIA network card in my Compaq laptop. Did you ever get the issue resolved?

Member Avatar for WVtech77

I am looking for a good wireless adapter for my presario 2100. I have used a USB D-link adapter with not so good results. There is a slot on the side for a wireless card, but not quit sure which one to get. I would like to have one with an externat antena for the best reception. Could anyone advise?

Thanks..

Member Avatar for hhlst11

HAs anyone figured out how to fix the laptop from locking up when the wireless card is inserted?

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