How to remove network adapters from the registry (146333)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
This article was previously published under Q146333
Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows registry

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 Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.
  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.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/8/2005
Keywords:KB146333
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