I had a desktop and notebook running Windows XP and had no problems. Just recently went out and bought a new HP notebook with Windows 8.

Connecting to my router was a breeze when I first turned it on. I was just entering information like you normally do with a fresh Windows setup, and the next thing I know, I was surfing the web.

The laptop is primarily used by my wife, which is why I’m sketchy on details. Yesterday she called me at work and said the Internet won’t work. She said that when she was booting she got a message about “Applying Windows Settings” and when it finally booted, she couldn’t surf the web.

When I look at the list of available networks, it shows up on the list, but all I can do is check the box to Connect. After a few seconds, it says “Can’t connect” but doesn’t say why. I can’t right-click on it to check properties and WEP keys. I can’t “forget” it and try to setup again. I even searched online and found a way to “forget” it through a Command Prompt, but that didn’t work.

This also happened two weeks ago, and I think there was an update involved there as well. While I don’t remember exactly what I did, I know I didn’t have this much difficulty. Whatever happened to “Network Setup Wizard”?? Why is an update messing with my settings, and why can’t I reconnect?

I’m telling you, I hate this thing so much I’m ready to wipe it clean and put Windows 7 on there.

Thanks for trying to restore my sanity!