How to Remove Network Adapters from the Registry

ID: Q146333

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, make sure you understand how to restore it if a problem occurs. For information about how to do this, view the "Restoring the Registry" Help topic in Regedit.exe or the "Restoring a Registry Key" Help topic in Regedt32.exe.

SUMMARY

Occasionally you may not be able to remove a network adapter using the remove button in Control Panel\Network. If this happens you can remove the registry keys for that adapter.


MORE INFORMATION

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it. If you are running Windows NT, you should also update your Emergency Repair Disk (ERD).

  1. Start Registry Editor (REGEDT32.EXE).


  2. From the

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

    subtree remove the following subkeys:

    • \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\<adapter>


    • \SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\NetworkCards\<#> (If only one adapter is loaded, <#> will be 1)


    • \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\<adapter>




  3. Quit Registry Editor and reboot.


Additional query words: prodnt

Keywords : nthowto
Version : winnt:3.5,3.51,4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: February 10, 1999
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