Microsoft TCP\IP Hidden Network Adapter

[Michael Opalinski]

I currently have the following issue with a WindowsXP Pro
desktop PC;
I have repalced a defective NIC in a desktop PC and when I
manually assign the IP address on the new card, I get the
following message:

"The IP address 192.168.0.71 you have entered for this
network adapter is already assigned to another adapter
3Com 3c905TX. 3Com905TX is hidden from the Network
Connections folder because it is not physically in the
computer. If the same address is assigned to both adapters
and they both become active, only one of them will use
this address. This may result in incorrect system
configuration.

Do you want to enter a different IP address for this
adapter in the list of IP addresses in the Advanced dialog
box?"

I do not want to assign another address as this card is no
longer in the PC. It was defective and was replaced, so
how do I get Windows XP Pro to stop seeing the original
card that is no longer in the PC and asking me this
question every time I manage the network
connections???????????????
Michael J. Opalinski
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Ron Lowe]

I currently have the following issue with a WindowsXP Pro
desktop PC;
I have repalced a defective NIC in a desktop PC and when I
manually assign the IP address on the new card, I get the
following message:

"The IP address 192.168.0.71 you have entered for this
network adapter is already assigned to another adapter
3Com 3c905TX. 3Com905TX is hidden from the Network
Connections folder because it is not physically in the
computer. If the same address is assigned to both adapters
and they both become active, only one of them will use
this address. This may result in incorrect system
configuration.

Do you want to enter a different IP address for this
adapter in the list of IP addresses in the Advanced dialog
box?"

I do not want to assign another address as this card is no
longer in the PC. It was defective and was replaced, so
how do I get Windows XP Pro to stop seeing the original
card that is no longer in the PC and asking me this
question every time I manage the network
connections???????????????
Michael J. Opalinski
(e-mail address removed)

Have a read of this:

Device Manager Does Not Display Devices That Are Not
Connected to the Windows XP-Based Computer
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315539

You might like to use this article to force Device Manager to show the
nonpresent devices.
The nonpresent ghosts should now reveal themselves.
You could then delete the nonpresent network adapters from device manager.

To avoid this issue in future, remove a device in this order:
un-install the device from device manager;
then shut down;
then open the case and remove the device.