Compaq Presario CQ42 Drivers for Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit) & Windows XP
The Compaq Presario CQ42 is a 14-inch notebook from 2010 that HP sold with Windows 7 or Windows XP. It was built in many regional variants with Intel or AMD graphics and with Wi-Fi cards from five different vendors, so a single driver pack does not fit every unit. This guide lists only the drivers that matter for everyday use, split by operating system, and each one links to HP's official SoftPaq file. It also shows how to work out which variant you own before you download anything.
How to find which CQ42 variant you have
Open Device Manager (press Windows key + Pause, then click Device Manager; on XP, open the Hardware tab and click Device Manager). Right-click the device that shows a yellow warning mark, choose Properties, open the Details tab, pick Hardware Ids, and read the code that begins with VEN_. That code tells you the manufacturer, which is all you need to pick the right driver:
| Code | Manufacturer | Choose this driver |
|---|---|---|
VEN_8086 |
Intel | Intel graphics, Intel chipset or Intel Wi-Fi |
VEN_1002 |
AMD / ATI | ATI Mobility Radeon HD graphics |
VEN_168C |
Atheros | Atheros Wireless LAN |
VEN_14E4 |
Broadcom | Broadcom Wireless LAN or Bluetooth |
VEN_1814 |
Ralink | Ralink Wi-Fi or Bluetooth |
VEN_10EC |
Realtek | Realtek Wi-Fi, LAN, audio or card reader |
If Windows has no network access at all, use another computer to download the Ethernet (LAN) driver and the correct Wi-Fi driver, then copy them over on a USB stick.
Compaq Presario CQ42 drivers for Windows 7 (64-bit)
These packages cover Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate (64-bit). Use the Intel graphics row only if Device Manager shows Intel graphics, and the AMD graphics row only if it shows Radeon.
| Category | Driver | Fits | Version | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Intel Chipset Installation Utility | Intel-based models | 9.1.1.1023 | Download sp46940 |
| Graphics | ATI Mobility Radeon HD Video/Graphics Driver | AMD-graphics models | 8.711.0.0 | Download sp48280 |
| Graphics | Intel Mobility Graphics Driver | Intel-graphics models | 8.15.10.2086 | Download sp48275 |
| Audio | Realtek High-Definition Audio Driver | All models | 6.0.1.6037 | Download sp48281 |
| Ethernet (LAN) | Realtek PCI-E Fast Ethernet NIC Driver | All models | 7.11.1127.2009 | Download sp48276 |
| Wi-Fi | Atheros Wireless LAN Driver | Atheros Wi-Fi card | 1.00 (Rev E) | Download sp48755 |
| Wi-Fi | Broadcom Wireless LAN Driver | Broadcom Wi-Fi card | 5.60.350.11 | Download sp49541 |
| Wi-Fi | Intel PRO/Wireless Drivers | Intel Wi-Fi card | 13.2 (Rev A) | Download sp48482 |
| Wi-Fi | Ralink 802.11 b/g/n WiFi Adapter | Ralink Wi-Fi card | 2.00 | Download sp50683 |
| Wi-Fi | Realtek RTL8191SE 802.11b/g Wireless LAN Driver | Realtek Wi-Fi card | 2007.1.1002.2009 | Download sp46673 |
| Bluetooth | Ralink Motorola 2011 Bluetooth Driver | Models with Bluetooth | 3.0.42.298 | Download sp52533 |
| Touchpad | Synaptics TouchPad Driver | All models | 15.0.7.0 | Download sp48277 |
| Card reader | Realtek USB 2.0 Card Reader Driver | All models | 6.1.7600.30105 | Download sp46946 |
| Hotkeys | HP Quick Launch Buttons | All models | 6.50.17.1 | Download sp49104 |
Compaq Presario CQ42 drivers for Windows 7 (32-bit)
The Windows 7 (32-bit) list is almost identical to the 64-bit list. The one difference is the Intel graphics driver, which is a separate package for 32-bit Windows (sp48274).
| Category | Driver | Fits | Version | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Intel Chipset Installation Utility | Intel-based models | 9.1.1.1023 | Download sp46940 |
| Graphics | ATI Mobility Radeon HD Video/Graphics Driver | AMD-graphics models | 8.711.0.0 | Download sp48280 |
| Graphics | Intel Mobility Graphics Driver | Intel-graphics models | 8.15.10.2086 | Download sp48274 |
| Audio | Realtek High-Definition Audio Driver | All models | 6.0.1.6037 | Download sp48281 |
| Ethernet (LAN) | Realtek PCI-E Fast Ethernet NIC Driver | All models | 7.11.1127.2009 | Download sp48276 |
| Wi-Fi | Atheros Wireless LAN Driver | Atheros Wi-Fi card | 1.00 (Rev E) | Download sp48755 |
| Wi-Fi | Broadcom Wireless LAN Driver | Broadcom Wi-Fi card | 5.60.350.11 | Download sp49541 |
| Wi-Fi | Intel PRO/Wireless Drivers | Intel Wi-Fi card | 13.2 (Rev A) | Download sp48482 |
| Wi-Fi | Ralink 802.11 b/g/n WiFi Adapter | Ralink Wi-Fi card | 2.00 | Download sp50683 |
| Wi-Fi | Realtek RTL8191SE 802.11b/g Wireless LAN Driver | Realtek Wi-Fi card | 2007.1.1002.2009 | Download sp46673 |
| Bluetooth | Ralink Motorola 2011 Bluetooth Driver | Models with Bluetooth | 3.0.42.298 | Download sp52533 |
| Touchpad | Synaptics TouchPad Driver | All models | 15.0.7.0 | Download sp48277 |
| Card reader | Realtek USB 2.0 Card Reader Driver | All models | 6.1.7600.30105 | Download sp46946 |
| Hotkeys | HP Quick Launch Buttons | All models | 6.50.17.1 | Download sp49104 |
Compaq Presario CQ42 drivers for Windows XP (32-bit)
Windows XP needs a slightly different set. Intel-based units should also get the Management Engine Interface driver, and several Bluetooth modules were sold, so pick the one that matches the module named in Device Manager (the Broadcom 2070 package and the Ralink package are for different modules). Service Pack 3 is recommended before you start.
| Category | Driver | Fits | Version | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Intel Chipset Driver | Intel-based models | 9.1.1.1023 | Download sp47922 |
| Chipset | Intel Management Engine Interface (MEI) Driver | Intel-based models | 6.0.0.1179 | Download sp47924 |
| Graphics | ATI Graphics Driver (Mobility Radeon HD 5430) | AMD-graphics models | 8.681.0.0 | Download sp47921 |
| Graphics | Intel Video/Graphics Driver | Intel-graphics models | 6.14.10.5189 | Download sp47918 |
| Audio | Realtek Audio Driver | All models | 5.10.0.6037 | Download sp47926 |
| Ethernet (LAN) | Realtek PCI-E Fast Ethernet NIC Driver | All models | 5.742.1125.2009 | Download sp47919 |
| Wi-Fi | Broadcom Wireless LAN Drivers | Broadcom Wi-Fi card | 5.60.350.6 | Download sp48616 |
| Wi-Fi | Intel PRO/Wireless Drivers | Intel Wi-Fi card | 13.0 (Rev A) | Download sp45837 |
| Wi-Fi | Ralink 802.11 b/g/n WiFi Adapter | Ralink Wi-Fi card | 2.00 | Download sp50683 |
| Wi-Fi | Realtek RTL8191SE 802.11b/g Wireless LAN Driver | Realtek Wi-Fi card | 2007.1.1002.2009 | Download sp46673 |
| Bluetooth | Broadcom 2070 Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR Driver | Broadcom Bluetooth module | 5.5 (Rev G) | Download sp46809 |
| Bluetooth | Software Support for HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth | HP integrated Bluetooth module | 5.5 | Download sp45078 |
| Bluetooth | Ralink Motorola 2011 Bluetooth Driver | Ralink Bluetooth module | 3.0.42.298 | Download sp52533 |
| Touchpad | Synaptics TouchPad Driver | All models | 15.0.7.0 | Download sp47920 |
| Card reader | Realtek Card Reader Driver | All models | 6.1.7600.30105 | Download sp47927 |
| Hotkeys | HP Quick Launch Buttons | All models | 6.50.17.1 | Download sp49104 |
Recommended installation order
- Chipset (and, on XP, the Management Engine Interface driver). Restart when asked.
- Graphics, using the AMD or Intel package that matches your hardware. The screen may flicker once.
- Audio (on XP, install the UAA Bus Driver first if the installer fails).
- Ethernet (LAN), so you can go online if you need other files.
- Wi-Fi, using only the package for your card.
- Bluetooth, if your laptop has it.
- Touchpad, card reader and Quick Launch Buttons.
Each file is a self-extracting HP SoftPaq. Double-click the .exe, allow it to unpack, follow the prompts, and restart Windows after the graphics, chipset and Wi-Fi packages. Tip: replacing .exe with .html at the end of any link above opens HP's description page for that SoftPaq, including the full list of notebooks it supports.
Common problems and quick fixes
Wi-Fi is missing or will not turn on
First check the wireless switch or Fn key combination, then install the Quick Launch Buttons package, which handles the hotkeys. If Device Manager still shows an unknown network controller, read its vendor ID and install the matching Wi-Fi package.
The screen is stuck at a low resolution
The generic Windows display driver is still in use. Install the AMD or Intel graphics package that matches your hardware, then restart.
The touchpad works but scrolling and gestures do not
Install the Synaptics TouchPad driver. Windows provides a basic mouse driver by default, but the Synaptics package adds two-finger scrolling and tap zones.
The card reader does not show up
Install the Realtek card reader package for your Windows version, then reinsert the card.
What about Windows 10 and Windows 11?
HP does not list the CQ42 for Windows 8, 10 or 11, and this guide only covers the operating systems that HP published drivers for. If you upgrade anyway, let Windows Update install what it can first, and download the Windows 7 packages above only for hardware that is still unrecognized. There is no guarantee that they will work, so back up your data before making the change.
Frequently asked questions
Where do these Compaq Presario CQ42 drivers come from?
Every download link points to HP's own SoftPaq server (ftp.hp.com). I checked each SoftPaq's description page and confirmed that the CQ42 is on its list of supported notebooks. Nothing on this page is repackaged, modified or hosted on this blog.
Can I install Windows 10 on a Compaq Presario CQ42?
HP never published Windows 10 drivers for the CQ42, so there is no official support. Windows Update can often supply basic network, audio and display drivers. The Windows 7 packages above may or may not install, and I cannot promise they will, so back up your files before you try. A laptop from 2010 will also feel slow on Windows 10.
Which graphics driver do I need, AMD or Intel?
It depends on how your laptop was built. Open Device Manager and expand Display adapters. A name containing Radeon means the AMD driver; a name containing Intel means the Intel driver. If you see Microsoft Basic Display Adapter, check the Hardware Ids as described in the section on identifying your hardware.
Why are there five different Wi-Fi drivers?
HP shipped the CQ42 with Wi-Fi cards from several vendors (Atheros, Broadcom, Intel, Ralink and Realtek). Each needs its own driver, and installing the wrong one simply does nothing. Match the card shown in Device Manager (or its vendor ID) to the driver in the table.
Do I need to download every driver in the list?
No. Install only the ones for the hardware in your laptop: one graphics driver, one Wi-Fi driver, and Bluetooth only if your unit has it. The list is already limited to the drivers that matter for normal use.
The installer says my computer is not supported. What now?
That message usually means the package is meant for different hardware, for example the AMD graphics driver on an Intel-graphics unit, or the wrong Wi-Fi vendor. Check your hardware, pick the matching package, and run it again.
About this guide
Last reviewed on October 7, 2026. Each driver link was checked against its HP SoftPaq description page, and the version numbers shown are the ones HP lists. HP released these drivers around 2009 to 2011 and no longer updates them, so the versions will not change. If a link breaks, leave a comment below with the SoftPaq number and I will look into it.
Looking for another model? Browse more Compaq drivers or HP drivers on this blog. This site is not affiliated with HP, and Compaq, Presario, HP and the other product names are trademarks of their owners.
thank you very much buddy!
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