Name: Atheros AR5B97 Wireless Network Adapter Driver
Rating: 4.6 (5 reviews)
Author: Atheros

Question 1

Install fails or driver won’t start?

Accepted Answer

Run the Atheros installer as administrator and use Windows compatibility mode for older packages. If Windows blocks it, temporarily disable driver signature enforcement, then reinstall the AR5B97 driver and reboot.

Question 2

Device not detected?

Accepted Answer

Check Device Manager for “Unknown device” or error code 10/43. Reseat the half-mini PCIe card, enable wireless in BIOS, turn on the laptop’s Wi-Fi switch/Fn key, and confirm the Hardware ID is `VEN_168C&DEV_002E`.

Question 3

Version conflicts after Windows Update?

Accepted Answer

Windows may install a generic or newer Atheros driver that breaks the AR5B97. In Device Manager, uninstall the adapter and delete the driver, then install the correct Atheros package and prevent automatic driver updates for that device.