Unable to Uninstall Network Adapter

[Bill]

I posted the following question to microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web
and, following a dialog with Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking), he
recommended posting the question here or a couple other newsgroups. I
decided to restrict my query to this one for now.

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.

Steve's suggestion was to uninstall the network adapter for my LAN
connection.

Unfortunately, I was unable to uninstall the network adapter. 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.

Sorry for the length of the detail above, but I appreciate any suggestions
anyone can provide.

TIA
Bill

 

[Newbie Coder]

Bill,

I have the same network card on one of my home machines & is built in to the
motherboard.

Go into the BIOS & disable it:

Restart Computer & Press F2 or DEL to enter the BIOS. Look for the device &
disable it. Press F10 to save & exit

This network card is a problem known to Intel & fails to renew its IP which only
a reboot will solve. You may also get an E100B error message in the event logs.
It's said that replacing the driver will fix the error but this is untrue.

Best thing you can do is buy another network card, install it but disable the
onboard Intel one.