Arch Linux

tecprosis

Member

Registered: 2023-11-22

Posts: 1

network card disappeared after sudden shutdown

hello, i'll just briefly explain my issue: my laptop ran out of battery and from then on i can't see my network controller
in nmtui under wifi it says hardware: <missing> , in ip link i only see lo and the ethernet interface, and i can't see it in any other command
any help is appreciated

ectospasm

Member

Registered: 2015-08-28

Posts: 303

Re: network card disappeared after sudden shutdown

I'd check sudo dmesg and journalctl -b0 -k just after boot, see if you have any errors regarding your WiFi/WWAN network controller.  I'd also check the output of lspci or lsusb to see if the hardware shows up there.  You can also check rfkill to see if the (hardware or software) kill switch is enabled.

If none of this gives you any clues, I'd remove the battery and charging cable from your laptop, and follow your laptop's manual for doing a full power drain.  Typically this can be done by pressing the power button without any power (no battery or charger) for 30 seconds (or up to five minutes).  This may be complicated if your laptop has an internal, unremovable battery (whether in addition to a replaceable battery or not).

If none of this works, your wireless network controller may have gotten fried, and you might need to seek warranty replacement (if it's still under warranty).  Before you send it for repair, see if there's an available firmware update for your laptop, it could be flashing a new firmware could resurrect your wireless controller.