My laptop (Fujitsu Lifebook LH531) automatically updates Windows patches from Microsoft. Last night my laptop downloaded and installed the latest patches (Aug 5, 2016). This morning I booted up the laptop. It locked up serveral times. Finally when it booted without lockup I noticed the Wireless icon in the bottom right corner had an X drawn through it. I clicked on it and the only option was the Airplane mode. No other wireless connections were there.
1) I tried using an ethernet cable and connecting directly to the wireless modem (the latest Xfinity modem). Nothing. Could not connect to the internet
2) Since I had recently cleaned the registry with CCleaner (a tool I have been using for more than 10 years without a single problem), I reloaded the saved changes back into the registry using the CCleaner software. Nothing changed. Still cannot connect and still no wireless devices seen by the pc.
3) I opened the device manager. I found the wireless. I found Network Adapters. Qualcomm Atheros AR9285 Wireless Network Adapter. Device status reads, "this device is working properly". Since the PC cannot connect to the internet I cannot update the driver software.
4) Under power management of same, I unchecked Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. I hit the OK button, closed the device manager and rebooted the PC. No changes. Still, no wireless devices seen by this PC.
5) Under Network Adapters there is a second device - Realtek PCle GBE Family Controller. Again, "this device is working properly". Also, unchecked the box for Allow computer to turn off this device to save power. Again, reboot. Result was no changes - No wireless devices seen by this PC.
6) I tried finding the latest patch to see if I could uninstall them. I opened the Settings file. Clicked on the "Update and Security button. The settings file closes. I've tried numerous times and same result each time.
7) Back to Device Manager: Opened System Devices. There is nothing in there that says anything about a wireless device. Is there supposed to be? I found NDIS Virtual Network Adapter Enumerator. That is the only line that had anything either "Network" or "Wireless"
8) Notes: My battery is dead so I run directly from the cord adapter. I never had a problem before.
So, I understand this is a problem with many MS Windows 10 users. I wish I had never "upgraded" from a prefectly fine Windows 7. Incidentally, I am using a Windows 8 laptop to write this. This is something I blame Microsoft for. I was an engieering manager in the semiconductor tool business for a long time. Anyway, what is the "FIX"? I've spent hours on this and nothing works. Anyone have any ideas? And please, don't say I should go to the Fujitsu website and download new drivers like a lot of "experts" on YouTube. If you cannot connect, how are you supposed to visit any website?
