I have this problem, and have looked on this forum, but I cannot even get the computer to go into safe mode. It comes on while I press F8 and it just keeps spinning until it goes to the blue screen that tells me if is fixing the problem and would I like to use advance options or continue on. I have a Toshiba Satellite and it originally was on Windows 7, I upgraded to 8.1 and was going to put it on 10, but it has not gotten to any of that. What do I do? I would prefer not to trash the computer.

As per the description, I understand that you are not able to get into safe mode to fix the issue you’re facing with your PC.

I will certainly help you with the issue.

I would like to know a few information:

1) Are you able to get into Normal Mode?

2) When do you exactly get athwyb.sys error?

3) What is the make and the model of your PC?

If you are able to log into windows 8 and access the normal screen, simply go to msconfig. (Search msconfig from start screen or right click on start run → msconfig). Go to boot tab and enable safe boot.

If you are not able to log into normal screen, At your login screen click the power icon which gives you options: Sleep, Shut down, Restart.

Hold down shift key and click restart.

If you're able to get into Safe Mode, access Device Manager and Uninstall network drivers for Atheros referring to the steps mentioned below:

Press Windows key + R

Type devmgmt.msc

Expand Network adapters

Right click on the Network adapter that shows up and click Uninstall.

Restart the PC.

Then try to boot into Safe Mode and check.

Also, download the latest driver from your Manufacturer's website and install.