You see more Ethernet network adaptors than are actually installed in the Windows XP-based computer (899868)

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256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows registry

SYMPTOMS

You find duplicate Ethernet network adaptors in the Microsoft Windows XP-based computer. This symptom occurs although the Windows XP-based computer only has one Ethernet network adaptor. For example, the Windows XP-based computer has one 3COM Ethernet network adaptor that is physically attached to the computer. However, two or more 3COM Ethernet network adaptors are listed in the System Information tool (Msinfo32.exe).

RESOLUTION

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.

To resolve this issue, remove the false Ethernet network adaptor or adaptors from the registry. In Windows XP, all the network adaptors are listed under the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002bE10318}

False Ethernet network adaptors are listed in the previous registry key. To identify a false Ethernet network adaptor and delete the false Ethernet network adaptor, follow these steps:

Click Start, click Run, type msinfo32.exe in the Open box, and then click OK.
Expand Components, expand Network, and then click Adapter.
In the right pane, you see a list of items. All these items are retrieved from the previous registry key.
You can see entries for the Ethernet network adaptors. The Ethernet network adaptor that has an IRQ Channel is the real Ethernet network adaptor. The Ethernet network adaptor that does not have an IRQ Channel is the false Ethernet network adaptor.
Find the false Ethernet network adaptor, and then note the false Ethernet network adaptor index number.
Locate the following registry key, and then delete the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002bE10318}\the false Ethernet network adaptor index number
Restart the computer.