How to Remove Services and Device Drivers in Windows NT (140415)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
This article was previously published under Q140415

SUMMARY

After installing vendor supplied software or drivers under Windows NT, it is sometimes desired to remove these components later. In general, this article describes how to disable services and drivers under Windows NT, and how to remove them.

MORE INFORMATION

Services and drivers may be removed from NT by using the Registry Editor (REGEDT32.EXE). Prior to their removal, the services must be stopped. Some services or drivers cannot be stopped, but must be set to disabled. In such cases, the server must be rebooted prior to removal.

WARNING: Some services and drivers are required for proper system operation. Stopping or disabling of some services can render a system unusable.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

To remove a service or device:

  1. Stop the service or device driver.

    For services, run Control Panel and choose Services. For device drivers, run Control Panel and choose Devices.

    If the service or device driver does not stop, set the startup type to disabled and reboot the computer.
  2. Run Registry Editor (REGEDT32.EXE).
  3. From the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE subtree, find the key:

    \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
  4. Find the registry key that corresponds to the service or device driver to be deleted.
  5. Delete the key and related subkeys:
    1. Select the key.
    2. From the Edit menu, choose Delete.
    3. Choose YES to confirm the deletion of the key.
  6. Quit Registry Editor.
  7. Shut down and restart the computer.
NOTE: Other registry keys may exist elsewhere in the registry. For best results, check with the software vendor for more information.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/16/2003
Keywords:KB140415
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.