A Windows update installed on September 11, and by the next day the laptop could no longer connect to any wireless network—not the home network, nearby networks, or a phone hotspot. Internet still works through a USB cable. Windows shows messages such as "Secured, can't connect to this network" and reports that the WLAN AutoConfig service failed to connect. Removing the recent updates and checking the wireless settings did not fix it. A technician suggested formatting the laptop, but I would prefer to avoid a clean reinstall if possible. On top of the Wi-Fi issue, four keyboard keys—N, B, Spacebar, and the forward-slash/question-mark key—have also stopped working. The system clock is correct. Are there troubleshooting steps I should try before reinstalling Windows?
2 Answers
The keyboard problem is probably separate from the update, especially since the failed keys are clustered in one area. That points more toward a physical keyboard or keyboard-matrix failure than a Windows setting. The Wi-Fi could be a bad or incompatible driver, though, so download the newest wireless driver from the laptop manufacturer using the USB connection and install it. Also verify that Windows date and time are synchronized.
Since both the wireless issue and keyboard failure appeared around the same time, a clean Windows installation is a reasonable last resort—but back up your files first. If you reinstall, use official installation media and make sure you have the laptop’s network and chipset drivers available beforehand. Keep in mind that reinstalling Windows will not fix a physically damaged keyboard, so that may still need repair or replacement.
The failed keys are N, B, Spacebar, and the forward-slash/question-mark key, so they are in roughly the same area. The time is correct, and I’ll try the manufacturer’s Wi-Fi driver before resorting to a reinstall.