Why cannot I scan any wireless network on Windows 7 nor Vista with Kaspersky installed?

Note: The same problem will also happen on Windows Vista and this solution also works on Vista.

If you are using Windows 7 and have installed Kaspersky Anti-virus software (KAV or KIS), you may encounter a problem shown in the picture below that computer can’t scan any wireless network. 

The detailed phenomenon is you can install the wireless adapter successfully, and the adapter is recognized very well by the operating system, but you can’t see any wireless signal.

There are two Cases with this problem.

Case 1:

You installed the driver successfully on your Windows 7, but when you check the Network Connections you will find that you can’t enable Wireless Network Connection.

Case 2:

You installed the driver successfully on your Windows 7, and it shows the adapter is working fine already, but you still can’t s scan any wireless network.

Reason:

This problem is caused by Self-Defense function of Kaspersky which is enabled by default. It forbids you to use the wireless adapter normally and this occurs not only on our TP-LINK adapters but also on other brands’ adapters.

 

Solution:

Step 1 Double click the Kaspersky icon on the system tray to open its UI (User Interface). Then click Settings on the top right corner.

Step 2 Click Options on the left side, uncheck Enable Self-Defense, and click OK.

Step 3 Reinstall /Update driver of your wireless adapter.

For how to install/update driver manually on Windows 7, please refer to: http://www.tp-link.com/support/showfaq.asp?id=228.

After you install the adapter successfully, you can scan your wireless network and enjoy it.

Step 4 Go back to the Kaspersky settings and enable Self-Defense again, it will not block your adapter any more.