Identifying Identical Network Adapters

 Last reviewed: August 21, 1995
Article ID: Q134586
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you have two identical network adapters installed on the same computer, the adapters appear identical in Device Manager and cannot be uniquely identified.

CAUSE

The Network Setup user interface does not provide a method for uniquely identifying multiple instances of the same adapter. This does not affect the functionality of the network adapters, but may be confusing in appearance.

RESOLUTION

To uniquely identify a network adapter, disable one of the drivers in Device Manager and match it to an unplugged adapter. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Double-click My Computer.

  2. In the My Computer dialog box, double-click Control Panel.

  3. In Control Panel, double-click the System Icon.

  4. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Device Manager tab.

  5. Double-click the Network Adapters Branch icon to expand it. Note that the two identical drivers are listed there.

  6. Click one of the drivers, and then click the Properties button.

  7. Under Device Usage, make sure that the box that corresponds to your current configuration is not checked.

  8. Quit Device Manager and restart your computer.

  9. Unplug the cable from one of the network adapters, and then attempt to make a network connection.

If you are able to connect, the adapter that you disabled in Device Manager is binding to the adapter that is unplugged. If you are not able to connect, repeat step 9 with the other network cables.

KBCategory: kbhw kbenv
KBSubcategory: posfest win95 winpnp nethw
Additional reference words: 95 duplicate netcard difference

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Last reviewed: August 21, 1995
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