Windows 7 cannot detect my WiFi network

Hi Andrew,

There are a lot of possible factors for this matter to occur. One possibility is that your TCP/IP components were corrupted nor the hardware itself has the issue. However, we need to make sure that it is the case. To isolate the issue, we have some questions for you:

1. Were there any changes made before the issue occurred?
2. Have you tried to download and install the latest available driver update on your manufacturer's website?
3. Aside from the troubleshooting steps on the link you have provided, were there any other troubleshooting steps that you've done so far?

We recommend that you reset and reconfigure your TCP/IP and check if there are any changes. To do this, follow these steps:

Reset TCP/IP

To do this, follow these steps:  

1. Run Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run this command:  
   • netsh int ip reset and hit Enter.

Exit Command Prompt and monitor your network connection.

Reconfigure TCP/IP

To do this, follow these steps:  

1. Run Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run these following commands:  
   • netsh int tcp set heuristics disabled
   • netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled
   • netsh int tcp set global rss=enabled

If the issue persists, kindly check your network adapter (Hardware) if it is disconnected or not. For further assistance on your PC's Hardware, contact your PC/laptop manufacturer.

Let us know how it goes.

Regards.

Hello Microsoft Team,

It is my absolute pleasure to inform you that after the completion of Windows Update, the machine detected the WiFi signal in the office. I can now connect to the net wirelessly at work.

Thank you for your help.

Have a good day.

Best regards,

Andrew

Hello Microsoft Team,

I have done the resetting & reconfiguration of the TCP/IP as suggested, but it didn't solve the problem.

Please allow me to go back further. The following is the chain of events that took place, leading me to where we are now:

What happened:

1. I booted up my Toshiba NB520 (Netbook) to update the anti-virus software (BitDefender Total Security 2017)
2. I suspected the machine had some kind of malware / virus / PUP for some reason & had compromised my anti-virus.
3. Downloaded MalwareBytes & did a scan - MalwareBytes detected a PUP & I quarantined it & then removed it through MalwareBytes.
4. As I tend to be quite paranoid about PUPs & viruses & all kinds of wares plus the machine was terribly slow, I decided to wipe out my HD and do a clean installation of the Windows 7 Starter OS.
5. The clean installation was successful, I performed a Windows Update to ensure all drivers & software are up-to-date & in working order (The machine is currently on the last 11 updates).
6. The Atheros AR9002WB-1NG Wireless Network Adapter in my machine works and can detect my WiFi at home, I can connect to the Internet wirelessly in my home no problem.

The issue:

The problem is when I am at work. The machine just cannot detect the WiFi in the office. I have checked everything, including the router settings, all other machines in the office including desktops, smartphones and tablets all get on the net through the WiFi fine. It's just my Toshiba NB520 Netbook simply cannot find the WiFi signal in the office.

I must add:

The machine was unable to find the WiFi signal at work right from the beginning, even before I update the anti-virus. That was what I noticed when I first turned it on in the office.

I am praying that after Windows Update is complete, the issue will go away. However, something tells me that the issue will remain post - Windows Update. I will update you when it's done. In the meantime, if you have any idea / suggestion that I should try, please do let me know.

Thank you,

Andrew