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Are wifi and bluetooth on the same chip?

Anonymous
2017-01-13T03:35:31+00:00

Hi,

Just recently my wi-fi would not detect any networks, even though there are Wi-Fi networks available. I have tried everything, including restoring my surface pro 3 to factory settings, including wiping all files. The Wi-Fi still doesn't detect any networks. I only just realised that the Bluetooth seems to have stopped too. I can't even find anywhere to change settings for the Bluetooth. It's as if the Bluetooth doesn't even exist anymore.

From what I have seen the Wi-Fi chip cannot be fixed. Is this the case? Also, is it likely that the fault is also causing the Bluetooth to not work? I find it hard to believe that a PC less than 3 years old is now basically useless and cannot be repaired. Am I missing something???

Thanks.

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-01-13T04:30:16+00:00

    The WiFi adapter is three components in one; WiFi, Bluetooth, and Miracast.

    If you have a failure of one, that is usually a driver issue.  If two go out at the same time, that is a hardware issue.

    Get your data off of the machine and perform a RESET.  Have it to perform all updates when finished before putting the data back on.  On the initial act of RESET and it re-installs the operating system, when you get to the networking part of the setup and it will not connect or if it does not come up with a prompt to setup your network, then you have a serious hardware problem.

    This will mean that the adapter is dead!

    If this is the case, you can continue to use the tablet but will not have Bluetooth (or Miracast) by getting a USB WiFi adapter (pretty cheap).  It may look a little goofy sticking out of the USB port and it will run hot but does work very well.

    Just about any brand will work.  That way, you would at least save the main portion of the tablet without having to buy a new one.  These machines are not repairable and the WiFi adapter chip is built into the motherboard and cannot be replaced.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-01-28T08:24:45+00:00

    Bluetooth and other devices doesn't even show up. And there's no sign of it in Connected devices either.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2017-01-27T05:40:50+00:00

    Hi,

    The WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity is in one chip. Aside from the steps given above, you can try to check if it's a driver issue by going to Cortana/Search and look for "Device Manager". Expand Network adapters then right click on "Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller" and choose "Uninstall device". Reboot your Surface and the driver should reinstall automatically. Bluetooth connectivity for Surface Pen and Bluetooth devices should be available again.

    Let us know how it goes.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-01-13T08:23:03+00:00

    If your pen is starting to fail also, try to get a replacement tablet if you can.  It could be the pen itself or the touchscreen controller which is also the controller for the pen (digitizer is built into the pen itself).

    With a powered USB hub, you have the makings of a desktop PC right now with that tablet.  Not worth it.  That would be a pretty expensive, small PC.

    You could probably look at the Surface Pro 4 if you are getting a replacement since the Pro 3 is not in production anymore.  The Pro 5 "may" come around March but that is a rumor.  If so, the Pro 4 may discount in price here in a month or so.

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  5. Anonymous
    2017-01-13T08:16:24+00:00

    Thanks James. That what i thought Google was telling me. I have already gotten myself a usb wifi dongle to connect to the Internet to try to get the latest updates and drivers etc. I had already backed everything up and reset windows. Still no luck. I'm thinking i may have to go back to Harvey Norman and tru to get a replacement under australian consumer protection laws. Having to use the only usb port for a feature that is built in but can't be repaired is ridiculous. Not to mention that the surface pen is now useless too, so a major feature of the tablet is now not functional. 

    I certainly won't be buying another surface tablet ever again.

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