Drivers keep disappearing from my Network Adapters

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!

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TECH_MAN

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

Thanks for your very detailed response! I will give the above a go. Cheers mate

TECH_MAN

Thank you Jimbobery

"Hit Accept or Like If its Helpful"

Jimbobery

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.