Member Avatar for Techno22

At start up, even from hibernate, Atheros 5007UG WirelessAdapter 2
downloads and crashes internet connection.
The only way to get my system back is to do a system restore, but the same
thing will happen next time I start up.
Any other programme needs permission to install but not this, although it seems
genuine enough.
I can't find Atheros listed in start up items or in the programme list for this
Windows 7 laptop.
It is called Driver Device Software for USB Device.
I don't use a USB device.
I don't want the download but I can't find a way to stop it.

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Dani AI

Generated

Summary and practical follow‑ups based on ’s update: the Atheros AR5007UG driver was being pulled and installed at boot, which briefly reinitialized the wireless adapter and dropped the connection; re-entering the router’s printed wireless key allowed Windows to finish the install and the problem stopped. This behavior is consistent with Windows automatically finding and installing device drivers from Windows Update when it detects hardware. (support.microsoft.com)

A short, safe checklist to prevent unwanted automatic driver installs and to troubleshoot recurring reinstall attempts:

  1. Stop automatic driver downloads: change Device Installation Settings to refuse drivers from Windows Update (choose “No, let me choose what to do” → “Never install driver software from Windows Update”). This works on Vista/7 systems and prevents future automatic replacements. (learn.microsoft.com)

  2. Hide the specific driver update if it appears in Windows Update (use the Windows Update interface and mark the driver update as hidden / “Don’t show this update again”). (support.microsoft.com)

  3. Remove a problematic driver cleanly: in Device Manager uninstall the adapter and select the option to delete the driver software; if necessary remove the driver package from the driver store (pnputil) so Windows can’t immediately reinstall it. Then install a vendor/OEM driver you trust. (learn.microsoft.com)

  4. Confirm exact device IDs before searching for drivers: open the adapter’s Properties → Details → Hardware Ids and use those IDs when looking on the vendor or laptop support site for a matched driver. (learn.microsoft.com)

Notes and cautions: some adapters use “inbox” drivers that are part of Windows and may be automatically reinstalled; in that case repeated uninstalls won’t remove them and the vendor-supplied installer (or a registry/policy change) may be required. If the adapter works after the one successful install (as reports), the simplest safe approach is to let the correct driver finish installing, then lock down automatic updates and keep a vendor copy of the driver for future recovery. (intel.com)

Recommended Answers

All 11 Replies

Member Avatar for rubberman

This is a laptop? Many laptop WiFi devices are USB connected, even when they are internal. My Dell D630 Wifi card is usb, but internally connected.

Member Avatar for caperjack

not sure if you are uisng win7 or 8 ,but you should be able to find reference to it in msconif /startup in win 7 or task manager /startup tab and check it to stop it from doing this all the time

Member Avatar for Techno22

rubberman OK, but that does not solve the problem regarding
being disconnected from the internet.

Member Avatar for Techno22

caperjack It is Windows 7.
I have checked again in msconfig, and it is not listed
as Atheros.
Could it be listed under a different name?

Member Avatar for caperjack

does Atheros 5007UG WirelessAdapter 2 show up in device manager ,the problem could be because of win7 driver comaptability for this device .

it could be disconnecting from the internet because it resetting the connection to the network[internet] .i think thats a posable anyway .are you connected wireless or wired when this happens .if wired try disabling the wireless device in device manager after it reinstalls .then reboot computer to see what happens
the restoring of windows could be just causing the problem to start over again and again

Member Avatar for Techno22

Thanks caperjack.
I have been switching between machines to try to find a solution
and the problem is in Windows Vista laptop. Apologies.
The connection is wireless when this happens.
Atheros is not at present showing in start up items or in task manager.
Having expanded items in Device Manager I see now that it does show under
Network Adapters.
Options are uninstall,update,disable, scan for hardware changes and properties.

Member Avatar for caperjack

At start up, even from hibernate, Atheros 5007UG WirelessAdapter 2
downloads

i have been using and fixing computer for years now and have never seen or had a device do this before without it being a driver compatiblity issue, but when i have a video device doing this it was only after i did a troubleshoot on the device .i think you need to find correct win7 drivers for the device ,what is the make and model of the laptop .found on the back of the laptop .better still try this so i can see the info
Use Speccy to provide details of your computer's configuration.

Download, free speccy , http://www.piriform.com/speccy/download   , install, and run.
After Speccy has finished gathering information, click File > Publish Snapshot.
Click Yes. A web address will be displayed.
Click Copy to Clipboard and paste it in your next post.
Include your computer's manufacturer and model number, if available.
Member Avatar for Techno22

Hi caperjack.
When I opened up early this morning the Atheros downloaded again and, as usual, disconnected me from the internet.
I tried reconnecting but failed.
However, a box opened saying that network connections were available.
I clicked on this and another box opened showing a list of available networks, including my usual one.
When I clicked on this a box opened asking for my 26 digit code, which I got from underneath the modem - being satisfied at this stage that all was above board.
On clicking OK after inserting this number my internet connection was restored.
Everything seems to be running fine now.
I turned on and off several times since.
Atheros no longer downloads, presumably having been installed, and I no longer lose my internet connection at startup.
Also, I have run several scans, just to be on the safe side, and all are coming up clean.

Member Avatar for caperjack

good job, hope it keeps working for you ,

Member Avatar for Techno22

Many thanks, caperjack.
Congratulations on your number of posts
and on your commitment to helping others.

Member Avatar for Techno22

Hi rubberman.
I have now resolved this issue, I hope, and wanted to thank you
for your contribution before I close the topic.

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