Jaco,
Thanks very much for your response. I am thinking my machine is in serious trouble.
I tried the HP Recovery to get the Atheros back; did not work (two Atheros versions were available, one for Windows 7 and one for 8 - tried 8, failed; tried 7, failed). As noted, I am on Windows 8.1 on this machine.
I tried Microsoft Refresh; did not work, gave me an error message.
I am hesitant to wipe everything, as I've installed several programs in the last two months that I am afraid to lose and do not want to again go thru reinstalling. But it is looking like I will need to do that.
I also noted that Windows Update is now not working - gives me a Code 8007000D error.
I also tried the HP Support Assistant, and it just hangs and never finishes the Atheros installation.
Tried the SWSetup as you recommended (good idea, by the way) and that did not succeed.
My most recent Restores are all within the last couple weeks. No luck there - but another good idea.
Looking like a clean wipe will be needed to get things back.
Anyone know if I can preserve my programs (maybe back up an image) and not have to reinstall them if I do a full Windows 8 reinstall?
But jaco1x4, thank you for your suggestions, I had not even known of a few of them.
SteveS620