Realtek rtl8188ee connectivity

[m_hollomon]

Began having problems with internet connectivity within 4 months of purchasing this computer (purchase date July2015), using a Verizon Hotspot, as other internet service is not available where I live.   HP 15 TS Notebook, Serial CDN5163WL7, Product No. J9K49UA#ABA.   The computer was sent back to HP two times for this problem.  The modem was supposedly replaced (with the same modem) before I upgraded to Windows 10.  I had a few problems before upgrading to Windows 10, but after I upgraded, I had no wireless internet connection at all.  The computer was sent back to HP and the wireless antenna was repaced.  After the computer was returned, it worked well for a few weeks, then started automatically disconnecting and reconnecting.  I had already clicked to stop the computer from automatically stopping the modem to preserve power.  After the Windows 10 anniversary upgrade, the modem stopped connecting completely.  Of course, by this time, the computer was out of warranty, so contacting HP for a fix was going to cost me big time.  I retreived my backup disks and returned my computer to its original factory condition, removing Windows 10 and returning to Windows 8.1.  This worked well for almost a week, then I began having connectivity issues again.  Since I have other computers and they have no problems connecting and staying connected to my Hotspot, I can only conclude the Realtek device in this computer is the cause.  

I have attempted updating drivers using the internet, but no updated drivers are found.  I have searched the HP support site for driver updates, but have found none.  At this point, I have purchased a USB 3.0 modem, which is working, but since this computer is only 16 months old, I really expect it to be fully functional - not have to purchase additional equipment to make the computer work as it should.

I am very disappointed in this computer and the warranty service, which only fixed my problem for a limited time.  I have been a proud owner of HP computers for over 20 years and this is the first time I have had any problems with any of the desktops, laptops, or printers I have purchased.  However, this experience has left me feeling disappointed with HP products and warranty service.  I can promise that any new computers will NOT have any Realtek components because of the ongoing issues.

For those of you who are still having problems with a Realtek rtl8188ee modem - purchase a good USB modem.  I am hoping that this fix continues to work, but at this point, I am doubtful that anything will fix the problem without purchasing a new computer.