You find duplicate Ethernet network adapters in Windows XP computers. This occurs although the Windows XP computer only has one Ethernet network adapter. For example, the computer has one 3COM Ethernet network adapter that is physically attached to the computer. However, two or more 3COM Ethernet network adapters are listed in the System Information tool (Msinfo32.exe).
How to fix this –
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. We cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.
To resolve this issue, remove the false Ethernet network adapter or adapters from the registry. In Windows XP, all the network adapters are listed under the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlClass{4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002bE10318}
False Ethernet network adapters are listed in the previous registry key. To identify a false Ethernet network adapter and delete the false Ethernet network adapter, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, click Run, type msinfo32.exe in the Open box, and then click OK.
2. Expand Components, expand Network, and then click Adapter.
3. In the right pane, you see a list of items. All these items are retrieved from the previous registry key.
4. You can see entries for the Ethernet network adapters. The Ethernet network adapter that has an IRQ Channel is the real Ethernet network adapter. The Ethernet network adapter that does not have an IRQ Channel is the false Ethernet network adapter.
5. Find the false Ethernet network adapter, and then note the false Ethernet network adapter index number.
6. Locate the following registry key, and then delete the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlClass{4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002bE10318}the false Ethernet network adaptor index number
7. Restart the computer.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login