Question:

Additionally, when I attempt to uninstall the driver and prompt the system to scan for hardware changes, it fails to recognize the correct driver. Instead, it displays an unidentified ‘network controller’ with error code 28 in the ‘other controller’ tab. This error persists until I perform multiple reinstalls of the wifi driver or switch to an ethernet connection.

I’ve also tried updating the driver and manually installing the latest version available directly from the manufacturer’s website. What could be causing these wifi card driver anomalies, and how can I resolve them permanently?”

Answer:

When it comes to maintaining a stable internet connection on your ASUS laptop, encountering a persistent wifi card driver issue can be quite frustrating. The scenario you’ve described, where the system fails to recognize the correct driver after uninstalling it and instead displays an unidentified ‘network controller’ with error code 28, is a common problem that many users face. This error code typically indicates that the drivers for this device are not installed.

The root cause of such anomalies can vary, but they often stem from outdated or corrupted driver files, conflicts between software, or even hardware issues. Given that you’ve already attempted to update the driver and manually install the latest version from the manufacturer’s website, we can explore a few additional steps to resolve this issue permanently.

Firstly, it’s essential to ensure that your operating system is up to date. Windows updates can include important patches that might resolve driver conflicts. If you’re already up to date, the next step is to delve into the Device Manager. Here, you can try uninstalling the device driver, rebooting your PC, and allowing Windows to attempt an automatic reinstall upon restart. If this doesn’t work, you might need to manually select the driver to install.

Another method involves checking the BIOS settings to ensure that the wireless card is enabled. Sometimes, BIOS updates or changes can disable the hardware, leading to such errors. If the wireless card is enabled and the issue persists, consider resetting the BIOS to its default settings.

If these steps don’t yield a permanent fix, it might be worth exploring third-party driver management tools that can help identify and install the correct drivers for your system. These tools can sometimes find more recent or compatible drivers than those listed on the manufacturer’s website.

In some cases, the problem could be hardware-related. If the wifi card itself is faulty, no amount of driver reinstallation will resolve the issue. In such instances, replacing the wifi card with a new one or using an external USB wifi adapter could be the solution.

Lastly, if none of the above solutions work, reaching out to ASUS support or a professional technician might be necessary. They can provide more in-depth troubleshooting and, if needed, repair services to address the issue.

Remember, while it’s possible to resolve many driver issues on your own, there’s no harm in seeking professional help if the problem persists. With the right approach, you can restore your laptop’s wifi functionality and enjoy a stable internet connection for all your online activities.

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References:

• For a detailed guide on fixing network adapter error code 28, you can refer to the instructions provided by TechCult.
• Lifewire also offers a comprehensive overview of how to fix code 28 errors in Windows, which might provide additional insights.

– ASUS Support has resources for troubleshooting wireless and Bluetooth driver issues, which could be helpful in this situation.