Question Hidden Wireless Network Adapter (Code 45)

[quarantined4dayz]

Hi! My laptop just suddenly stopped recognising any wifi connection. All my other devices can connect to my wifi without any problem. I checked my Wireless Network Adapter on Device Manager and it only appears when I click “Show Hidden Devices.”

When I check the Properties, the device status reads “Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer (Code 45). To fix this problem, reconnect this hardware device to the computer.” What does this mean? What hardware device? Everything was working fine before this; there were no Windows updates, etc.

I’ve tried every solution that had been suggested online, but no such luck. I’ve even tried “Uninstall the Device”, but it automatically deleted so I’ve had to System Restore (there’s NO option not to delete).

I’ve also tried Driver Easy, but it says they can’t update the driver for the Wireless Network Adapter until I’ve plugged in the device. Again, what device? I’ve been using this laptop for a year and a half and I’ve never had to plug in any device just to connect to wifi.

My Wireless Network Adapter is Qualcomm Atheros AR956x Wireless Network Adapter. I use an Acer Aspire E1-472G-54204G1. I use Windows 10.

My Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapters #5 and #6 also only appear as Hidden Devices. Not sure if it’s relevant.

I work from home and I would appreciate any help. Thank you!

 

[scout_03]

could you try to use a lan cable to see if network on it work .

 

[ktriebol]

The hardware device that your error messages refer to is your wireless network adapter. I suggest pulling your wireless network adapter out and reseating it.

 

[quarantined4dayz]

Thank you so much for the responses.

could you try to use a lan cable to see if network on it work .

I have tried using a LAN cable, and it works. However, my work setup requires me to connect to wifi, as I sometimes travel.

The hardware device that your error messages refer to is your wireless network adapter. I suggest pulling your wireless network adapter out and reseating it.

Thanks for clarifying this. I’m not sure I know what this hardware looks like. I’ve Googled it and I’m not sure I’ve seen one. Do I need to pull apart my laptop?

 

[ktriebol]

Yes, you would have to pull apart your laptop to access the wireless adapter, but I wouldn't rush into that unless opening your laptop is a simple matter. I suggest researching online first to find out where your wireless adapter is located on your laptop and how to access it. Often times on a laptop, the wireless adapter is soldered to your motherboard and can't be changed anyway. You could try going to ifixit.com to see if they have any disassembly/replacement guides for your laptop.

 

[quarantined4dayz]

Yes, you would have to pull apart your laptop to access the wireless adapter, but I wouldn't rush into that unless opening your laptop is a simple matter. I suggest researching online first to find out where your wireless adapter is located on your laptop and how to access it. Often times on a laptop, the wireless adapter is soldered to your motherboard and can't be changed anyway. You could try going to ifixit.com to see if they have any disassembly/replacement guides for your laptop.

Hi, thank you very much for this response. This clarifies everything. I think I’ll take it to an IT so that they can do this for me. I appreciate all the help!

 

[quarantined4dayz]

I would just like to post an update about this problem—

Last night, I opened my laptop to type up a document. The wifi still hadn’t been working and the wireless network adapter had still been under Hidden Devices.

Then after a couple of hours, I was surprised to discover that my wifi just suddenly started working! I didn’t even do anything to try to fix it! Everything was back to normal for a couple of hours. Before I had shut down my laptop, Windows started updating. I let it finish then I went to sleep.

Then this morning, I opened up my laptop and discovered that the wifi is not working again! The previous problem has returned! Wireless Network Adapter is again a Hidden Device and its status reads “Code 45...” like last time.

Again, none of the remedies I’ve found online are working. I am so confused though. How come it just started working last night?

 

[Beirwiessnt]

Most likely I'm experiencing the same problem, I've been researching around for a day now and I've come with a possible solution, where I manually uninstall the Wifi Adapter from Device Manager, Reboot a few times (because apparently my windows doesn't want to fix it and install the drivers first try, what a bit-) and hope for the best. I get to use the internet for around 15 20 minutes until the problems starts happening again. I got my laptop 2 weeks ago and just yesterday I've experienced this problem. All I want to know is what in the hell is causing this problem amd how can I fix it.