Drivers keep disappearing from my Network Adapters

Jimbobery
Jimbobery Member Posts: 4 New User
edited August 2023 in 2019 Archives
Good morning, everyone.

Before I explain, please excuse how I explain things as I have (at best) a rudimentary knowledge of all things technical when it comes to computers.  Basically...I have this problem with my Acer Aspire ES1-531 that has been ongoing for 2 years or more in that I cannot connect to the internet via WiFi.  This seems to have started after a Windows 10 update.  However, I cannot confirm this.  The strange thing is every now and again the Atheros AR956x Wireless Network Adapter Driver will reappear, taking its place among the Network Adapters in the Device Manager, but this is very rare - and when it does it does not stay for long.  I have attempted to download updates (when adapter is present) and have also attempted to follow instructions on how to get it back.  The laptop itself is as good as new and has barely been used considering how long I have had it, mainly due to the WiFi issues.  It connects fine via Ethernet.  I am currently on Sky for my broadband.

Hopefully you are able to understand my waffle!  And hopefully someone out there can help put me out of my lack-of-wireless misery!

Answers

  • TECH_MAN
    TECH_MAN Ally Posts: 453
    Hi Jimbobery

    Unplug the AC power adapter.
    Press and hold the Power button down for 15 seconds. This will perform a software battery reset that may resolve the issue.
    If your system has a battery pinhole reset on the bottom, insert a small paperclip in the battery reset pinhole and hold the button down for 5 seconds. Then try for BIOS / UEFI default settings 
    ower on the system. As soon as the first logo screen appears, immediately press F2 for notebooks or Delete for desktops to enter UEFI.
    Press F9 and then Enter to load the default configuration.
    Press F10 and then Enter to save and exit.

    Disable the Power Off option for the adapter:
    1. Open Device Manager. (Win Key+R > type devmgmt.msc > OK)
    2. Expand the Network adapters.
    3. Right click on the Ethernet/Wireless Adapter and click Properties.
    4. Click the Power Management tab.
    5. Remove the check mark beside Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
    6. Click OK.
    7. Test.

    Reset the TCP/IP settings on your PC:
    1. Go to your start screen/menu and type CMD.
    2. Right click on the command prompt icon and chose Run as administrator.
    3. In the window that opens type "netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt" without quotes, and press enter.
    4. Restart your PC and test.

    It may also help to reset the winsock catalogue:
    1. Go to your start screen/menu and type CMD.
    2. Right click on the command prompt icon and chose Run as administrator.
    3. In the window that opens type "netsh winsock reset" without quotes, and press enter.
    4. Restart your PC and test.

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  • Jimbobery
    Jimbobery Member Posts: 4 New User
    Thanks for your very detailed response!  I will give the above a go.  Cheers mate  :)
  • TECH_MAN
    TECH_MAN Ally Posts: 453
    Thank you Jimbobery 

    "Hit Accept or Like If its Helpful" 
    Hit 'Like' if you find the answer helpful!
    Click on 'Yes' if the comment answers your question!
  • Jimbobery
    Jimbobery Member Posts: 4 New User
    Right...I have done everything on your list except disabling the Power Off option for the adapter as there is no tab for that in the network adapter.  I followed some information I found from Google and I have done this for Mouse and Keyboard, but I doubt this is the same thing and will impact on the adapter.  Another bit of information is that the adapter (Qualcomm Atheros AR956x) does not initially appear in the Network Adapter list, but does when you select 'Show hidden devices' when it appears slightly faded/greyed out. 

  • Have you tried disconnecting and reconnecting the wireless network card?
    https://youtu.be/ysEMjTPp4hA
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  • Jimbobery
    Jimbobery Member Posts: 4 New User
    Thanks for your reply.  No.  Is that worth a try?
  • I believe you should try yes.
    Oi! Eu não sou sou a cortana! Mas estou aqui para ajudar! Hi! I'm not the cortana! But I'm here to help!
    Se você gostou da minha resposta, marque como solução clicando em sim! If you liked my answer, mark it as a solution by clicking on yes!
    Aceite somente a resposta que ajudou a solucionar o seu problema! Please accept only the response that helped to solve your problem!
    Detection tool click here to find the serial number or partnumber of your model!                                                          
                                                      
                                                     egydiocoelho Trailblazer
     
    ProductKey clique aqui para descobrir o serial do windows! click here to discover the windows serial!
    Para usuários da comunidade inglesa, espanhola, francesa e alemã, usarei o google tradutor! :)
    For users of the English, Spanish, French and German community, I will be using google translator! :)