How do I fix local only issue with Atheros WLAN adapter(s) and Windows Vista

Edited by Batkingnz, Eng, Lynn, David Riley and 6 others

7 Parts: What You Need How To Identify If I Am affected By A Compatibility Issue Confirming You WiFi Adapter Resolving The Atheros WiFi Issue Tips, Tricks & Warnings Questions and Answers Comments
Julian WiFi WMC.png

Computer technology is constantly evolving, which is good for consumers, but there can be some downsides. Sometimes when new hardware is introduced you may find that some of your equipment no longer works with the latest and greatest. If you are using an Atheros WiFi adapter (very common in older HP laptops) and you have purchased a new router to find that you can no longer connect to the WiFi, then the below article is for you. Here we will explain how to update your driver software so everything is running smoothly and you can get back online.

What You Need

  1. 1
    These instructions are intended for users with an Atheros WiFi adapter; any of the following models can be affected
    :
     
    1. Atheros 5000 Series 802.11a/g/n WiFi Adapter (5006/5007/5009).
    2. Atheros 9000 Series 802.11a/g/n WiFi Adapter (9285/9380/9382).
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  2. 2
    A wireless router.
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  3. 3
    Windows Operating System.
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  4. 4
    A wired network connection to your PC (for downloading drivers).
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How To Identify If I Am affected By A Compatibility Issue

  1. 1
    The fault is most obvious when you have upgraded to a new router or have upgraded the firmware of your router
    .
    Your PC will still connect to the router, but you will see the message on your wireless connection: "No internet access".
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  2. 2
    If you are able to connect when using the basic WEP security or with no wireless security, but when you try to set anything higher like WPA security you see the message "No internet access", but are still connected to the router.
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Confirming You WiFi Adapter

You should first confirm that you have one of the Atheros devices as listed in the first section.

  1. 1
    To check this, go to your Device Manager in Windows
    .
    If you are on Windows 8, simply type "device manager" from the start screen to perform a global search, and choose the first search result. For older versions of Windows, hold the Windows key and the Pause key simultaneously. This will pull up the system properties and you can click on "Device Manager" on the left-hand side.
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  • 2
    From the device manager, expand the heading "Network adapters" and you will see your WiFi adapter listed there
    .
    Julian DeviceManager.png
    If you are not using an Atheros adapter (like in the example shown) then discontinue these instructions.
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    • Resolving The Atheros WiFi Issue

    To correct the fault, you will need to install updated drivers for your Atheros device.

    1. 1
      You will need to download up to date drivers from the manufacturer
      .
      If you are using an HP device you can get the install file here.  
      1. Once the download has completed just run the EXE file which will automatically install the driver and then you will be prompted to restart your computer.
      2. After installing the driver and restarting your computer you can try your WiFi network again. You should be able to connect with any security type and have full internet access.
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    2. 2
      If you are not using an HP computer, you can use the Windows driver update to update to the latest Atheros driver
      .
       
      1. From the device manager, right click on your WiFi adapter and click "Update driver software".
      2. Click "Search automatically for updated driver software".
      3. Windows will search for and install the most up to date driver for your device. Once the process has completed, you may be prompted to restart your computer. Accept any prompts and test your WiFi network again. You should be able to connect with all security types and the "No internet access" message will no longer appear.
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    Tips, Tricks & Warnings

    • You can apply the driver update instructions to almost any device in your device manager. If you ever found a component that was not working with a new device or was simply not functioning correctly, try updating the driver first.
    • These instructions can also be applied to fixing a local only issue with Atheros WLAN adapters in Windows 7 and Windows 8.

    Questions and Answers

    Good day. Older Toshiba Satellite with Atheros AR 5007EG wireless adapter. They upgraded to a new router last week when I was out of town. Connects to the internet but local only. Got updated drivers on another laptop and installed. The computer said I already had the latest version and still only local access. Tried resetting router no good. Any ideas?

    Is it possible my old laptop just isn't compatible with Arris router?

    I assume that the notebook runs Windows Vista. It should be compatible. Download and update your network adapter with this latest driver: [1]

    • Click "Click to Download".
    • Save the file.
    • Unzip the file on your computer.

    Check your OS. Click the Start button.

    • Right-click "Computer".
    • Click "Properties". It will be either "64-bit Operating System" (use the "Vista_64" folder later) or "32-bit Operating System" (use the "Vista_32" folder later).
    • Click the Start button.
    • Click "Control Panel".
    • Click "System and Maintenance".
    • Click "Administrative Tools".
    • Double-click "Computer Management".
    • Once it opens, click "Device Manager".
    • Click the plus sign next to "Network adapters".
    • Right-click the Atheros AR5007EG device and choose "Properties".
    • Click "Driver".
    • Click "Update Driver..."
    • Click "Browse my computer for driver software" and point it to the unzipped driver (within "Vista_32" or "Vista_64" folders) that you have just downloaded.
    • Restart your computer.

    See more questions like this: I cannot reset my Android phone because all the options I've told to select are not there. how do I go about resetting it

    See more questions like this: HTM T9500- how can I make it work right

    Need help with local only access on Windows Vista using Atheros WiFi adapter?

    Local access only no internet access

    The problem of the WiFi driver arises from it being too old. You need to update the driver. If you have a brand-name computer, go to the computer manufacturer site and look for the updated Vista drivers there or contact the support. You need to know your computer model and whether your Windows Vista is 32- or 64-bit to obtain the proper driver (right-click on "Computer" to find that out).

    Alternatively, click the Start button.

    • Click "Control Panel".
    • Click "System and Maintenance".
    • Click "Administrative Tools".
    • Double-click "Computer Management".
    • Once it opens, click "Device Manager".
    • Click the plus signs and find the entry for the device that you need to update, which should have something like "Atheros" and "WiFi" or "Wireless".
    • Once you've found the device, you will see the Atheros WiFi model or chipset name here. *Launch your browser.
    • Go to [2] and find your Atheros adapter name or chipset and click on the download button in the "Vista 32-bit" or "Vista 64-bit" field.
    • Then, click "Click for Download" under the most recent driver.
    • Save and unzip the file to a location on your computer.
    • Now, switch back to the "Device Manager" window.
    • Right-click the Atheros device and choose "Properties".
    • Click "Driver".
    • Click "Update Driver..."
    • Click "Browse my computer for driver software" and locate the folder to where you unpacked the driver.
    • Enter the folder with the 32- or 64-bit drivers, depending on your operating system, and double-click the file that will appear on the screen.
    • Restart your PC.

    How do I fix local access on a wireless network on a Vista basic?

    My laptop doesn't work with the wireless adapter. How can I fix this. I have tired everything

    That is covered completely in "Need help with local only access on Windows Vista using Atheros WiFi adapter", which you can find in this section, Questions and Answers.

    Vista OS on a Compaq Presario cq 50, trying to connect to my phone's hotspot?

    I am using the Arethos adapter but its not the one in article, its a different Arethos Driver. I have tried: Everything : reset adapter, uninstall and reinstall adapter, setting up a new network. I think it was caused by: Don't know never have been able to connect to hotpot using WiFi but it does work when I tether my phone using Easy Tether from Mobile Stream

    VisiHow QnA. This section is not written yet. Want to join in? Click EDIT to write this answer.

    Website to download Atheros adapter?

    Can not get to internet on laptop, can I download and save to jumpdrive and load on laptop

    VisiHow QnA. This section is not written yet. Want to join in? Click EDIT to write this answer.

    If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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    Categories : Hardware

    Recent edits by: 0007, michellespath, VisiHow

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