Issue with installing WAN Drivers on my new PC – giving up

Troubleshooting Wireless Driver Installation on ASRock B650 Pro RS WiFi Motherboard: A Comprehensive Guide

Encountering difficulties while setting up a new PC can be frustrating, especially when it comes to essential components like WiFi connectivity. If you’re facing challenges installing WAN drivers on your ASRock B650 Pro RS WiFi motherboard, you’re not alone. This post aims to walk you through the typical issues and provide professional insights to help resolve them efficiently.

Understanding the Issue

Many users report successful driver installation messages, such as “Successfully installed all specified drivers, mtkwecx.inf: successfully added OEM24.inf and installed on 0 devices,” yet WiFi connectivity remains elusive. Such messages can be misleading, suggesting that the drivers have been installed, but the hardware is not functioning as intended.

Potential Causes and Investigation

1. Hardware Recognition in BIOS

2. It’s encouraging that your BIOS detects the WiFi chip, displaying “WAN Radio” status. This suggests that the hardware is recognized at the firmware level. However, BIOS detection alone does not guarantee operating system recognition or proper driver functionality.

3. Driver Compatibility and Integrity

4. Verify that the driver version you are installing is compatible with your specific motherboard model and the operating system version. Sometimes, outdated or incompatible drivers can install successfully but fail to enable hardware features.

5. Device Management and Driver Status in Windows

6. Check the Device Manager:

   • Open Device Manager and locate the WiFi adapter under “Network Adapters” or “Unknown Devices.”

   • Look for any warning icons indicating driver issues.

   • Right-click the device, select “Properties,” and review the device status for error messages.

7. If the device appears but is inactive or has errors, consider updating or reinstalling drivers.

8. Driver Reinstallation and Driver Removal

9. Use a driver cleanup utility or Device Manager to uninstall existing driver entries related to the WiFi module.

10. Reboot the system and attempt a fresh driver installation, preferably using drivers obtained directly from the motherboard or WiFi chip manufacturer.

11. Operating System Compatibility and Updates

12. Ensure your OS is fully updated. Sometimes, missing Windows updates can prevent proper hardware recognition and driver installation.

13. Hardware Troubleshooting

14. While it’s less desirable, hardware issues might be at play. Common problems include faulty WiFi modules, improper seating, or damage.

15. If feasible, inspect the WiFi module physically, or consider testing with a