Random Characters Appear in Network Adapters List (206145)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
This article was previously published under Q206145
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you are viewing network adapters using the Network tool in Control Panel, you may see random or unintelligible characters in the list of adapters. You may also see the characters when you are adding a new network adapter.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if there is no supported network adapter installed from the Windows NT CD-ROM or a third-party manufacturer, or if there is a null adapter entry in the corresponding Oemnadx.inf file.

RESOLUTION

A supported network adapter with appropriate adapter listings in the .inf file does not display the random characters. Consult the manufacturer of the installed network adapter for a supported or updated driver.

MORE INFORMATION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

You can also edit the registry to produce readable characters. The Adapters dialog box in Network properties contains two fields. The first, Network Adapters, displays the list of installed adapters. These strings can be modified in the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkCards\X

Value: Title
Type: REG_SZ

X is the number of the installed adapter.

The second field, Item Notes, displays descriptive text about the installed network adapters. These values can be edited at the following location in the registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkCards\X

Value: Description
Type: REG_SZ

REFERENCES

For additional information, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

131303 Latest Windows 2000 and Windows NT Hardware Compatibility List (HCL)

142865 Microsoft Support Policy on Hardware Not On Windows NT HCL

170995 How to Install Third-Party Network Adapter Drivers

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/6/2002
Keywords:kbenv kbHardware kbnetwork kbprb KB206145
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.