How do I delete phantom hardware registry entries?

[stefan]

In the process of correcting a LAN problem, I now have in
the registry "Local Area Connection 3," "Local Area
Connection 4," etc., all the way to 12. Same with "USB
Scanner #2" where there is only one scanner.

How do I remove these "phantom" entries?

I have found them in the registry
under "Controlset001" "Controlset002"
and "Currentcontrolset." Can I just go under "Network"
and delete the folder that is labeled, like this one
which is "Local Area Connection 5":
"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001
\Control\Network\{4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
\{119D0E37-E917-438A-8D92-C624B1EA47FB}"

Thanks - Steve

 

[sje]

Right Click My Computer/Properties/Hardware Tab/Device
Manager button/Network adapters/select candidate/right
click candidate/click Uninstall.

Find Scanner 2, right click and Uninstall it.

Apply OK

 

[Rob]

In the process of correcting a LAN problem, I now have in
the registry "Local Area Connection 3," "Local Area
Connection 4," etc., all the way to 12. Same with "USB
Scanner #2" where there is only one scanner.

How do I remove these "phantom" entries?

I have found them in the registry
under "Controlset001" "Controlset002"
and "Currentcontrolset." Can I just go under "Network"
and delete the folder that is labeled, like this one
which is "Local Area Connection 5":
"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001
\Control\Network\{4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
\{119D0E37-E917-438A-8D92-C624B1EA47FB}"

Thanks - Steve

Steve,
No need to take chances with editing the registry to do this. If you
have an Autoexec.Bat file in your C:\, then just add this line to it:

set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1

If not, then create the file. This will now allow you to see all those
phantoms in the Device Manager when you select Show Hidden Devices under
the View tool. The phantoms will be dimmed out. Deleting them here will
also pull them from the registry. HTH
Rob