Error when accessing Network Properties

[Bill]

I am using Windows XP SP2 on a Dell Dimension 4600. I have a home network
that works well. However, when I attempt to access my Network Connections
Properties, I receive an error message...specifically a small window titled
"Network Connections" containing the message "An unexpected error occurred."
The only choice is OK.

I get this error when I select Start, Control Panel, Network Connections,
then right click on my Local Area Connection and select Properties.

How can I access my Network Connection Properties? I need to do so to
change an annoying "service" by Cox which precludes my ability to search
from the address bar.

TIA

Bill

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I am using Windows XP SP2 on a Dell Dimension 4600. I have a home network
that works well. However, when I attempt to access my Network Connections
Properties, I receive an error message...specifically a small window titled
"Network Connections" containing the message "An unexpected error occurred."
The only choice is OK.

I get this error when I select Start, Control Panel, Network Connections,
then right click on my Local Area Connection and select Properties.

How can I access my Network Connection Properties? I need to do so to
change an annoying "service" by Cox which precludes my ability to search
from the address bar.

TIA

Bill

The LAN connection is apparently corrupted. Go to Device Manager and
uninstall the network adapter for the LAN connection. That will
remove the LAN connection. Then click Action > "Scan for hardware
changes" to reinstall the network adapter. That will create a new LAN
connection.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Bill]

Steve,

Thanks for your very prompt and seemingly simple solution. [Always
appreciate hearing from the "Guru of Home Networking" himself. You have
been of invaluable help in years past!]

Unfortunately, I was unable to uninstall the network adapater. I received
the following error message(s):

Device Installer Error
"Windows could not load the installer for NET. Contact your hardware vendor
for assistance."
Selecting the only choice OK resulted in...

Device Manager
"Failed to uninstall the device. The device may be required to boot up the
computer." Choice, OK.

My network adapter is: Intel (R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection

I tried the above with my network cat 5 cable connected and disconnected.
Results the same.

I also tried the procedure from Safe Mode (without network). Results the
same.

Note: In safe mode the list of Network Adapters was considerably longer:

Direct Parallel
Intel (R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection
Intel (R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection - Packet Scheduler Miniport
WAN Miniport (IP)
WAN Miniport (IP) - Packet Scheduler Miniport
WAN Miniport (L2TP)
WAN Miniport (PPPOE)
WAN Miniport (PPTP)

I only attempted to delete/uninstall (yes, both) the two Intel devices.

Appreciate any additional suggestions.

TIA
Bill

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

The LAN connection is apparently corrupted. Go to Device Manager and
uninstall the network adapter for the LAN connection. That will
remove the LAN connection. Then click Action > "Scan for hardware
changes" to reinstall the network adapter. That will create a new LAN
connection.

Steve,

Thanks for your very prompt and seemingly simple solution. [Always
appreciate hearing from the "Guru of Home Networking" himself. You have
been of invaluable help in years past!]

Unfortunately, I was unable to uninstall the network adapater. I received
the following error message(s):

Device Installer Error
"Windows could not load the installer for NET. Contact your hardware vendor
for assistance."
Selecting the only choice OK resulted in...

Device Manager
"Failed to uninstall the device. The device may be required to boot up the
computer." Choice, OK.

My network adapter is: Intel (R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection

I tried the above with my network cat 5 cable connected and disconnected.
Results the same.

I also tried the procedure from Safe Mode (without network). Results the
same.

Note: In safe mode the list of Network Adapters was considerably longer:

Direct Parallel
Intel (R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection
Intel (R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection - Packet Scheduler Miniport
WAN Miniport (IP)
WAN Miniport (IP) - Packet Scheduler Miniport
WAN Miniport (L2TP)
WAN Miniport (PPPOE)
WAN Miniport (PPTP)

I only attempted to delete/uninstall (yes, both) the two Intel devices.

Appreciate any additional suggestions.

TIA
Bill

You're welcome, Bill. I'm sorry, but I don't know how to fix the
uninstall problem. You might find an answer in one of these news
groups:

microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware
microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Barb Bowman]

you might try uninstalling whatever software Cox installed to see if
this solves both problems. You don't need any software from them to
use a cable modem.

How can I access my Network Connection Properties? I need to do so to
change an annoying "service" by Cox which precludes my ability to search
from the address bar.

--

Barb Bowman
MS Windows-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/

 

[Frank Parmelee]

I am using Windows XP SP2 on a Dell Dimension 4600. I have a home network
that works well. However, when I attempt to access my Network Connections
Properties, I receive an error message...specifically a small window titled
"Network Connections" containing the message "An unexpected error
occurred." The only choice is OK.

I get this error when I select Start, Control Panel, Network Connections,
then right click on my Local Area Connection and select Properties.

How can I access my Network Connection Properties? I need to do so to
change an annoying "service" by Cox which precludes my ability to search
from the address bar.

TIA

Bill

FWIW, third party network installation and monitoring software often does
not play nice with Windows networking software. Once I uninstalled the
Linksys programs for my router and notebook adapters Windows XP does it's
thing without a hitch.