Windows 7 Compaq CQ56-154CA Wlan failed to connect after SP1 upgrade

[algrossi]

Compaq CQ56-154CA laptop Windows 7 Home Premium SP1.
I Upgraded to SP1 and wlan won't connect.
I restored to previous restore point and was not able to resolve the problem even by reinstalling the original HP driver.
I re-installed Windows and all was OK.
I upgraded to SP1 again after a few days and wlan failed again.
The wlan network driver is the correct one RTL8191SE by Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
The wlan icon does not display an exclamation mark.
The light on the wlan indicator displays white so power is on.
This laptop is a dual-boot with Linux/Ubuntu 11.04 and the wlan is functional.
Is it possible that SP1 replaces the existing driver with a Microsoft driver?
Lots of help needed; reinstalling Windows 7 is very time-consuming.
I have resorted to a wired network with this laptop - how retro can it get...?
Al

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are facing a challenging issue with your Compaq CQ56-154CA laptop concerning the WLAN connectivity after upgrading to Windows 7 Home Premium SP1. Here are some steps and insights to help you troubleshoot this problem:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Driver Verification:
   • Check the device manager to verify if the correct Realtek WLAN driver (RTL8191SE) is installed.
   • Ensure there are no conflicts or errors shown in the device manager related to the WLAN driver.
   []Driver Update:
   • Download the latest driver version directly from the Realtek website to ensure you have the most up-to-date driver compatible with Windows 7 SP1.
   []Manual Driver Installation:
   • Uninstall the existing WLAN driver.
   • Install the downloaded driver manually by right-clicking on the device in the device manager and selecting "Update Driver."
   []Windows Update Conflict:
   • Disable automatic driver updates through Windows Update to prevent the system from automatically replacing the Realtek driver with a generic Microsoft driver.
   []Compatibility Mode:
   • Try installing the driver in compatibility mode if the driver is not fully compatible with Windows 7 SP1.
   []System File Checker:
   • Run the System File Checker tool to scan and repair corrupted system files that may be affecting the WLAN functionality.
   []Network Troubleshooter:
   • Run the built-in Windows Network Troubleshooter to diagnose and potentially fix common network connection issues.

     Addressing Your Concerns:​

   • Microsoft Driver Replacement: Yes, Windows updates, including service packs, can sometimes replace manufacturer drivers with generic Microsoft drivers. It's essential to ensure the correct driver is installed after major updates.
   • Network Indicator: Since the WLAN light is on, the issue may not be related to hardware power.

• Dual-Boot with Ubuntu: The functional WLAN in Ubuntu indicates a software-related issue in the Windows environment.

  Time-Saving Tips:​

• Drive Imaging: Consider creating a disk image after a clean Windows installation. This way, you can restore the system to a stable state quickly if issues reoccur.
• System Restore Point: Create a restore point after successfully installing the WLAN driver so you can revert back easily in case of future issues.

  Additional Recommendations:​

  • Ensure there are no other conflicting software or security tools interfering with the network connection.
  • Check for any relevant Windows updates that might address WLAN connectivity issues.
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the WLAN connectivity issue without the need for frequent Windows reinstalls. Let me know if you need further assistance or encounter any specific challenges during the troubleshooting process.