Wireless no longer working on HP Desktop P6610f (Windows 7)

Question

Scenario:   Last year I bought a new Dual Band LINKSYS router that was connected to my Comcast Modem and brought wireless into the house -  I also had my HP Pavillion desktop wirelessly connected and my Network would “see” the name of my router when you right click on the network.
It had been working just fine – no problems – then all of a sudden on Saturday I had no wireless.  (we did have heavy rain/storms Thursday).  I called Comcast and the modem is fine – and when I took the Ethernet cable of out the router and went direct into the back of the tower, it connected fine to the internet – but of course the house then had no wireless….
….So I assumed that something may be wrong with the router, so went out and got a new NETGEAR router (which I hope to return because I don’t think the problem is with the router) and still can not connect wirelessly to my main computer – but the house is not getting wireless and I will get the internet if I use an additional ethernet cable for the back of the computer into the NETGEAR ROUTER– But when I click on “connect to network” it can’t find the router.  Like, no router is listed – it just says “NETWORK 4”.   When I tell the computer to look for the router it can’t find it – but when I logon to the NETGEAR Genie dashboard – everything looks fine.
Do you have any idea what could have happened to the computer/wireless capability to just make it stop recognizing the router?   Is there a quick fix? 
Thank you!
Max

Answer 1

Hello again maxine-louise,
So we are down to 2 options as I see it. This is either a software or hardware issue. If this becomes a hardware issue it will end up costing money to you if the computer is not under warranty so I would like to try the last software steps to see if we can fix it or rule out completely the potential for a software solution.
To do this we are going to backup your personal files and do a factory recovery on your computer. To ensure that your personal files are correctly backed up I would like you to review and follow the steps set out in the HP Support document: Backing Up Your Files (Windows 7), which will ensure that all your personal files are properly backed up and secured. The next thing is to review and follow the steps set out in the HP Support document: Performing an HP System Recovery (Windows 7), which will walk you through the process of setting your computer back to factory settings. Once you are complete this you can use the first document to restore your personal files back onto your computer.
*** WARNING - The factory recovery WILL wipe your computer clean and you WILL lose ALL the files on it.
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