Unable to see or connect to Available Wireless Networks

[Mechatherium]

The easiest way to explain what's wrong, is that I don't have this:
<attachment: available_wireless_networks.png>

Particulars:

This is a wireless connection problem.

My internet provider is AT&T U-Verse.

I use Windows Firewall and Avast Free Antivirus.

IPCONFIG output attached for review: <ipconfig.txt>

Xirrus screenshot attached <xirrus_screenshot.png>

Adapter: Qualcomm Atheros AR5B91 Wireless Network Adapter - 10.0.0.352

Problem:
Normally, when connecting to a new Wi-Fi network a little list pops up above the taskbar that shows which wireless access points are in range. I haven't had that in some time and I'd like to get that back.

My Atheros Wi-Fi adapter works; I can set up a connection manually, if I know all the details. I just got a new modem from AT&T U-Verse with Wi-Fi. The modem's access point--ATT7mQn222--works and I can sign in with other wireless devices.

Long story short, my wi-fi modem works, if I set up the connection manually; I used Xirrus and WirelessNetView and both found the access point quickly. I just wish they had a wizard to walk me thorough setting up the wi-fi connection like my Windows used to. For some reason, I don't get the settings right doing it manually, so I'd like to have that wizard (picture at top) back.

I am sure the problem is with something I did with Windows--I "broke" something--but I have no idea what, how, or how to get that function back.

Any help?

Thank you,

Tony

 

[file3456]

Just to make sure. Is the WiFi adapter driver installed? If so, try going into safe mode and removing Avast once and see if that doesn't fix anything. To get into safe mode, while the computer boots keep pressing the F8 key. Chose the first safe mode option. NOT with networking. Then in safe mode uninstall Avast.

You may then want to try to reset the TCP/IP stack. The Nuclear Option: Resetting The Crap Out Of Your Network Adapters in Vista - Scott Hanselman