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Windows 10 / Wifi Adapter Missing! Please need some help

Anonymous
2019-01-23T06:07:14+00:00

Hi members!

Need some help to fix this problem. I have Acer One-Z1402 laptop (Windows 10 pro Version: 10.0.17134 Build-17134)

I usually use WiFi connection But now i'm in different town and using Ethernet connection

As far as i can remember, two weeks ago, my laptop WiFi was working fine and then my laptop installed some windows updates

I don't know when this problem occurred because i was only using Ethernet connection and didn't check my WiFi connection

However yesterday i noticed that WiFi button & Mobile Hotspot buttons were missing when i clicked "Network icon" on taskbar. There was only "Airplane mode" button (but button was grayed out and couldn't click)

Then i opened Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Network and Sharing Center - Change adapter settingsHowever there was only "Ethernet icon" And Wireless connection icon was missing

After that i opened Device manager>Network Adapters I couldn't find any Wireless adapters So i did this View>Show Hidden Devices and Action>Scan for hardware changesAfter these commands I found my Wireless adapter in Device manager However it looked like "Hidden file" and problem wasn't solved I tried to enable it by using right click option However "enable" option wasn't there. So i clicked "properties" and it showed me this message "Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45)" Then i uninstalled it because i thought my laptop would reinstall it automatically However i was wrong. My WiFi adapter is missing and not working. I don't want to Reset my laptop Because it will delete all my apps and programs And i'm not sure Resetting PC will fix this issue. Please i need some help How can i fix this problem Any help would be greatly appreciated

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Internet and connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-01-23T06:18:39+00:00

    Hi Jacky. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 9 year Windows MVP and Independent Advisor, here to help you.

    Plug in by ethernet to pull in the necessary drivers, these instructions and anything else needed.

    Go to the Acer Downloads page here and put in your Serial number from sticker on laptop to get the exact wireless adapter for your build: https://www.acer.com/ac/en/PH/content/support-p...

    Download and install the wireless driver, see if it now shows networks to connect.

    If not I'll give you everything else possible to try in order of priority so that hopefully something works:

    Which network icon is showing in System Tray: the Wireless waves or Ethernet TV with plug? Left click to see if any Networks show up to sign into.

    If not right click the network icon in System Tray at bottom right end of task bar to Troubleshoot Problems.

    Check that the wireless button on a laptop is toggled on. It may be a Function (Fn) key or it may be an actual switch on the side.

    Try powering off modem, router and PC and then restarting in that order with 1 minute in between each.

    Try all of these steps: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10741/...

    https://www.kapilarya.com/how-to-reset-network-...

    Update your network adapter drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads web page using the full model number, HP Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

    If you have the latest network driver then try on it's Driver tab also to Roll Back, or Uninstall and then restart PC to reinstall the driver. Try also all older drivers from Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick list working backwards.

    Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WIfi > Manage Known Networks, highlight and remove the network having problems, restart PC to see if it shows up again.

    Try plugging in by ethernet cable to the router to compare, then plug the ethernet cable into the modem (if separate) to see if this might be an issue with the router.

    You also are entitled to Support from your internet provider to get online on all devices. This is always included in the monthly bill. If your router is less than a year old they will also Support getting it connected and optimized.

    Another option is you could replace the wireless adapter with an inexpensive USB nano adapter like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSFPDFX/ref=asc_df...

    Or you can use an Ethernet cable as necessary which should connect automatically.

    if this was caused by Windows Updates then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates, then uninstall them from the link there, and hide with the Hide Updates tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

    You can also use System Restore to get before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

    If this was caused by Version 1809 Update, if it's too late to roll it back I can help you shrink C by about 50gb in Disk mgmt to do a test Install to the shrink space, which will configure a Dual Boot you can sign into to set up to see if the problem goes away. If so I'll then help you move into the new install and eventually delete the old one and recover its space. Steps here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2672-parti...

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-01-23T10:17:15+00:00

    Hello. Greg

    Thanks for helping me I followed your instructions and went to the Acer Product Details page and found my laptop information

    Wireless LAN Manufacturer: RealtekWireless LAN Standard: IEEE 802.11b/g/n

    Then i downloaded this driver on the Acer Downloads page>Drivers

    i installed it and restarted my laptop I tried to "Troubleshoot" problems I right click the Ethernet TV icon in System Tray but it's not helpful and "Troubleshooting couldn't identify problems" message displayed

    I couldn't find any wireless network button or switch on my laptop (there is only power button) But i have Function (Fn) key on my keyboard I went to Settings>Network & Internet>Network Reset and Resetted Network Settings to Default before But this problem still appears

    Then i disconnected Ethernet connection and tried many things you told And i don't know how but I did it I fixed it Now it's working fine Thank you so much I appreciate your help :))))

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-01-23T06:15:53+00:00

    Did you go Settings, Network & Internet and look around there and troubleshoot?

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