wifi won't detect any network

My wifi won't detect any network, it shows a red cross sign in notification area. It's using Realtek RTL8188EE Wireless LAN 802.11n PCI-E NIC (Driver version: 2023.43.914.2016). Today, When I checked the manufacturers site, they suggested RTL8188CE version so I downloaded them, but can't install. I followed this procedure,
Device Manager > Network Adapters > Realtek RTL8188EE Wireless LAN 802.11n PCI-E NIC > Uninstall ==> restarted my laptop and this driver's back in device manager. Next up I tried,
Device Manager > Network Adapters > Realtek RTL8188EE Wireless LAN 802.11n PCI-E NIC > Uninstall > Install New drivers > restart. and same result, I found EE version back in device manager.
So is the issue driver related? and how do I install old drivers? thank you

Does the wifi show ok in device manager with no yellow tiangles? open a cmd prompt type netsh wlan show networks does it show networks

yes it shows fine in Device Manager, "This device is working properly".
netsh wlan show networks: Interface name: Wi-Fi
There are 0 networks currently visible.

If you have an old driver that you know works then you might be able to install it by using the 'Have Disc' option in the driver update tab for the WiFi adapter. It basically means you search manually for the location of your driver and install it by running the drivers own set up utility or in some cases by clicking the .inf file within the driver folder.

Another option would be to take a disk image (system backup) of your current set up and then run a factory restore which should bring it all back to how it was when new. That will load the correct drivers. You can then look and see exactly what is installed and then try finding and applying those to your restored backup.

Also try connecting using an ethernet/LAN cable direct to your router. That will allow internet access and maybe allow a correct driver to be found from Windows Update.

bro67 said:

Uninstall the network device and driver in Device Manager and let Windows install the default driver. If you are still having issues, then there is a issue with the Wireless Access Point that you are trying to connect to, or your Wireless card is at fault.

Uninstalling it only deletes my driver temporarily. The thing is, I don't see "Delete the driver software for this device" in Uninstall Driver window. So, the driver keeps reseting after I restart windows.

Mooly said:

If you have an old driver that you know works then you might be able to install it by using the 'Have Disc' option in the driver update tab for the WiFi adapter. It basically means you search manually for the location of your driver and install it by running the drivers own set up utility or in some cases by clicking the .inf file within the driver folder.

I checked the release notes for that driver, (RTL 8188CE) it's compatible with windows 8.1 since my laptop originally came with windows 8.1. Maybe that's why windows won't install this driver?

Laptop drivers are often modified by the PC manufacturer and refuse to install on what they see as a non suitable system. I've had the same experience with my old Acer laptop (which came with XP) and finding drivers for 8.1 and then 10 was difficult but I did eventually turn some up. They always have to be installed using the 'have disk' method I mentioned though.

Right-click the red x and select "Troubleshoot".

Ben