Device Manager Displays Error Code 8 for Network Adapter

ID: Q138606

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows 95
Microsoft Windows 98

SYMPTOMS

After you install Windows on a computer running real-mode networking software (such as Novell's VLM or NETX), Device Manager may display an exclamation point in a yellow circle next to the network adapter, and display "Error Code 8" in the network adapter's properties.

Despite the indicator and error code, the real-mode network components seem to load and work correctly.

CAUSE

The error code is generated by Configuration Manager when it tries to access the Ndis.vxd file but is unable to locate it.

RESOLUTION

Although your networking functionality is not affected by the error reported by Device Manager, you can remove the error indicator by installing a protected-mode NDIS protocol such as NetBEUI. To do so, follow these steps:

In Control Panel, double-click the Network icon.

Click Add, click Protocol, and then click Add.

In the Manufacturers box, click Microsoft. In the Network Protocols box, click NetBEUI, and then click OK.

Double-click your network adapter, click the Bindings tab, and verify that the NetBEUI protocol is not bound to the adapter. If the NetBEUI check box is selected, click the check box to clear it.

Click OK.

NOTE: It is not necessary to bind the NetBEUI protocol to an adapter or client because Ndis.vxd is loaded if a protected-mode NDIS protocol is present.

MORE INFORMATION

Ndis.vxd is the protected-mode device loader for NDIS-compatible network adapter drivers. The Ndis.vxd file is copied to the Windows\System folder during Windows installation. However, if your computer is configured to use only real-mode network components, the Ndis.vxd file is not copied during the installation process.

Keywords : kbnetwork kbsetup win95 win98
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Issue type : kbprb