The Wi-Fi randomly disconnects, and now it is not even available as an option in the "Network Preferences" area.

Question

After having the MacBook Pro for about 1.5 years, the Wi-Fi randomly disconnected. Ethernet works fine, however, whenever I tried clicking "Turn Wi-Fi On", nothing happens. I have tried a SMC reset, resetting the PRAM (resetting the PRAM worked for a bit and then suddenly it didn't), and shutting down/restarting the laptop multiple times. Often times does the Wi-Fi turn back on, however it immediately disconnects after about a minute. Now I have come to a point where, in the Network Preferences area, the Wi-Fi option is not available on the list that is on the left side of the preferences. A PRAM reset solved this case, but for some reason it doesn't work anymore. I took it into a local Mac store, where they said that they would need to check if it was the Wi-Fi card that was causing the problem and would need to charge me $50 for the tech service to check it out (which is obviously what I would not do...at least if there is some way to go around this). Help.
~TheIvyX

Answer 1

I am also suspicious that your WiFi card may have a probelm.
Do an SMC Reset before you do anything else.
Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
An appointment at the genius Bar at an Apple store is FREE, in warranty or out.
Apple only charges for services when parts are needed, and then it is a flat rate for the repair, no diagnosis fees and no surprises.