Server 2003 Can't install or uninstall NICS - i.e. no network

The Windows Server 2003 Enterprise machine I am working on had a NIC issue
and it was replaced (I was not involved). The new NIC will not install and
dies with an error of "The system cannot find the file specified" -(what
file?). I have tried both the same NIC has the original, a different NIC with
the same chipset, and a different NIC with a different chip set. Same
problem, and same error. I have even attempted the MS loopback adapter and
still get the exact same error.
The system will not let me uninstall the old drivers because "needed by
windows to boot", and of course I can't install a new one.

I have tried to find some sort of logfile to indicate "what file" can't be
found, but no luck. I have also booted the setup disk and attempted a repair
to make sure all of the system files are there, without effect.

Of course this all happened during a period of backup issues, so there is
not a restore path. In fact, I am just trying to get up to a point that the
Exchange 2003 Data can be recovered and restored to a new server.

Any clues?

The only reedeming factor for me here is that I had no hand in breaking it,
I am hoping to make it less broke....

Thanks

To display hidden devices, non-Plug and Play devices, and devices not
attached to the computer (commonly known as "ghosted" or "phantom" devices)
Save the following two lines as a file then execute.

--------------------------setdev.bat---------------------
set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1
start devmgmt.msc
---------------------------------------------------------

Then, View|Show Hidden Devices to remove or reconfigure these devices. Do
not edit the registry.

--
Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

"JackW" wrote:
| The Windows Server 2003 Enterprise machine I am working on had a NIC issue
| and it was replaced (I was not involved). The new NIC will not install and
| dies with an error of "The system cannot find the file specified" -(what
| file?). I have tried both the same NIC has the original, a different NIC
with
| the same chipset, and a different NIC with a different chip set. Same
| problem, and same error. I have even attempted the MS loopback adapter and
| still get the exact same error.
| The system will not let me uninstall the old drivers because "needed by
| windows to boot", and of course I can't install a new one.
|
| I have tried to find some sort of logfile to indicate "what file" can't be
| found, but no luck. I have also booted the setup disk and attempted a
repair
| to make sure all of the system files are there, without effect.
|
| Of course this all happened during a period of backup issues, so there is
| not a restore path. In fact, I am just trying to get up to a point that
the
| Exchange 2003 Data can be recovered and restored to a new server.
|
| Any clues?
|
| The only reedeming factor for me here is that I had no hand in breaking
it,
| I am hoping to make it less broke....
|
| Thanks

I can now see multiple "ghosted" devices but can't uninstall any of them, I
get "failed to unistall the device, The device may be required to boot up the
computer".

Still can't install NIC's-

The following excerpt is from setupapi.log and includes the error received
when trying to install a NIC.

#I022 Found "PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1229&REV_08" in C:\WINDOWS\inf\net557.inf;
Device: "Intel 8255x-based PCI Ethernet Adapter (10/100)"; Driver: "Intel
8255x-based PCI Ethernet Adapter (10/100)"; Provider: "Microsoft"; Mfg:
"Intel"; Section name: "D101MG.ndi".
#I023 Actual install section: [D101MG.ndi.NTx86]. Rank: 0x00002000. Driver
date: 10/01/2002. Version: 6.6.8.1.
#-166 Device install function: DIF_SELECTBESTCOMPATDRV.
#I063 Selected driver installs from section [multiport_NTx86.ndi] in
"c:\windows\inf\oem12.inf".
#I320 Class GUID of device remains: {4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}.
#I060 Set selected driver.
#I058 Selected best compatible driver.
#-124 Doing copy-only install of
"PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1229&SUBSYS_B1630E11&REV_08\4&DE 4D5E1&0&2828".
#-166 Device install function: DIF_REGISTER_COINSTALLERS.
#I056 Coinstallers registered.
#-166 Device install function: DIF_INSTALLINTERFACES.
#-011 Installing section [multiport_NTx86.ndi.NTx86.Interfaces] from
"c:\windows\inf\oem12.inf".
#I054 Interfaces installed.
#-166 Device install function: DIF_INSTALLDEVICE.
#I123 Doing full install of
"PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1229&SUBSYS_B1630E11&REV_08\4&DE 4D5E1&0&2828".
#I121 Device install of
"PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1229&SUBSYS_B1630E11&REV_08\4&DE 4D5E1&0&2828" finished
successfully.
#E154 Class installer failed. Error 2: The system cannot find the file
specified.

Below is the setupapi.log after trying to install the Microsoft Loopback
adapter:

[2004/11/22 11:04:09 648.530 Driver Install]
#-124 Doing copy-only install of "ROOT\NET\0000".
#-198 Command line processed: "C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe"
C:\WINDOWS\system32\shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL
"C:\WINDOWS\system32\hdwwiz.cpl",Add Hardware
#-166 Device install function: DIF_REGISTER_COINSTALLERS.
#I056 Coinstallers registered.
#-166 Device install function: DIF_INSTALLINTERFACES.
#-011 Installing section [MSLOOP.ndi.NT.Interfaces] from
"c:\windows\inf\netloop.inf".
#I054 Interfaces installed.
#-166 Device install function: DIF_INSTALLDEVICE.
#I123 Doing full install of "ROOT\NET\0000".
#I121 Device install of "ROOT\NET\0000" finished successfully.
#E154 Class installer failed. Error 2: The system cannot find the file
specified.
#I060 Set selected driver.
#I125 Installing NULL driver for "ROOT\NET\0000".
#I121 Device install of "ROOT\NET\0000" finished successfully.
#-166 Device install function: DIF_REMOVE.
#I289 Removing device "ROOT\NET\0000".
#I048 Device removed.
#E154 Class installer failed. Error 2: The system cannot find the file
specified.

In all instances it fails with "can't find the file specified".

What file(s) is it looking for?

"Dave Patrick" wrote:

> To display hidden devices, non-Plug and Play devices, and devices not
> attached to the computer (commonly known as "ghosted" or "phantom" devices)
> Save the following two lines as a file then execute.
>
> --------------------------setdev.bat---------------------
> set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1
> start devmgmt.msc
> ---------------------------------------------------------
>
> Then, View|Show Hidden Devices to remove or reconfigure these devices. Do
> not edit the registry.
>
> --
> Regards,
>
> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
> Microsoft Certified Professional
> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
>
> "JackW" wrote:
> | The Windows Server 2003 Enterprise machine I am working on had a NIC issue
> | and it was replaced (I was not involved). The new NIC will not install and
> | dies with an error of "The system cannot find the file specified" -(what
> | file?). I have tried both the same NIC has the original, a different NIC
> with
> | the same chipset, and a different NIC with a different chip set. Same
> | problem, and same error. I have even attempted the MS loopback adapter and
> | still get the exact same error.
> | The system will not let me uninstall the old drivers because "needed by
> | windows to boot", and of course I can't install a new one.
> |
> | I have tried to find some sort of logfile to indicate "what file" can't be
> | found, but no luck. I have also booted the setup disk and attempted a
> repair
> | to make sure all of the system files are there, without effect.
> |
> | Of course this all happened during a period of backup issues, so there is
> | not a restore path. In fact, I am just trying to get up to a point that
> the
> | Exchange 2003 Data can be recovered and restored to a new server.
> |
> | Any clues?
> |
> | The only reedeming factor for me here is that I had no hand in breaking
> it,
> | I am hoping to make it less broke....
> |
> | Thanks
>
>
>

Any connections defined Control Panel|Network Connections? If so try first
to unbind any services/ protocols (Uncheck only. Don't uninstall) then try
the setdev.bat again.

--
Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

"JackW" wrote:
|I can now see multiple "ghosted" devices but can't uninstall any of them, I
| get "failed to unistall the device, The device may be required to boot up
the
| computer".
|
| Still can't install NIC's-
|
| The following excerpt is from setupapi.log and includes the error received
| when trying to install a NIC.
|
| #I022 Found "PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1229&REV_08" in C:\WINDOWS\inf\net557.inf;
| Device: "Intel 8255x-based PCI Ethernet Adapter (10/100)"; Driver: "Intel
| 8255x-based PCI Ethernet Adapter (10/100)"; Provider: "Microsoft"; Mfg:
| "Intel"; Section name: "D101MG.ndi".
| #I023 Actual install section: [D101MG.ndi.NTx86]. Rank: 0x00002000. Driver
| date: 10/01/2002. Version: 6.6.8.1.
| #-166 Device install function: DIF_SELECTBESTCOMPATDRV.
| #I063 Selected driver installs from section [multiport_NTx86.ndi] in
| "c:\windows\inf\oem12.inf".
| #I320 Class GUID of device remains:
{4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}.
| #I060 Set selected driver.
| #I058 Selected best compatible driver.
| #-124 Doing copy-only install of
| "PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1229&SUBSYS_B1630E11&REV_08\4&DE 4D5E1&0&2828".
| #-166 Device install function: DIF_REGISTER_COINSTALLERS.
| #I056 Coinstallers registered.
| #-166 Device install function: DIF_INSTALLINTERFACES.
| #-011 Installing section [multiport_NTx86.ndi.NTx86.Interfaces] from
| "c:\windows\inf\oem12.inf".
| #I054 Interfaces installed.
| #-166 Device install function: DIF_INSTALLDEVICE.
| #I123 Doing full install of
| "PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1229&SUBSYS_B1630E11&REV_08\4&DE 4D5E1&0&2828".
| #I121 Device install of
| "PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1229&SUBSYS_B1630E11&REV_08\4&DE 4D5E1&0&2828" finished
| successfully.
| #E154 Class installer failed. Error 2: The system cannot find the file
| specified.
|
| Below is the setupapi.log after trying to install the Microsoft Loopback
| adapter:
|
| [2004/11/22 11:04:09 648.530 Driver Install]
| #-124 Doing copy-only install of "ROOT\NET\0000".
| #-198 Command line processed: "C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe"
| C:\WINDOWS\system32\shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL
| "C:\WINDOWS\system32\hdwwiz.cpl",Add Hardware
| #-166 Device install function: DIF_REGISTER_COINSTALLERS.
| #I056 Coinstallers registered.
| #-166 Device install function: DIF_INSTALLINTERFACES.
| #-011 Installing section [MSLOOP.ndi.NT.Interfaces] from
| "c:\windows\inf\netloop.inf".
| #I054 Interfaces installed.
| #-166 Device install function: DIF_INSTALLDEVICE.
| #I123 Doing full install of "ROOT\NET\0000".
| #I121 Device install of "ROOT\NET\0000" finished successfully.
| #E154 Class installer failed. Error 2: The system cannot find the file
| specified.
| #I060 Set selected driver.
| #I125 Installing NULL driver for "ROOT\NET\0000".
| #I121 Device install of "ROOT\NET\0000" finished successfully.
| #-166 Device install function: DIF_REMOVE.
| #I289 Removing device "ROOT\NET\0000".
| #I048 Device removed.
| #E154 Class installer failed. Error 2: The system cannot find the file
| specified.
|
| In all instances it fails with "can't find the file specified".
|
| What file(s) is it looking for?

No,

No connections are defined, any that were there have dissapeared...

"JackW" wrote:

> The Windows Server 2003 Enterprise machine I am working on had a NIC issue
> and it was replaced (I was not involved). The new NIC will not install and
> dies with an error of "The system cannot find the file specified" -(what
> file?). I have tried both the same NIC has the original, a different NIC with
> the same chipset, and a different NIC with a different chip set. Same
> problem, and same error. I have even attempted the MS loopback adapter and
> still get the exact same error.
> The system will not let me uninstall the old drivers because "needed by
> windows to boot", and of course I can't install a new one.
>
> I have tried to find some sort of logfile to indicate "what file" can't be
> found, but no luck. I have also booted the setup disk and attempted a repair
> to make sure all of the system files are there, without effect.
>
> Of course this all happened during a period of backup issues, so there is
> not a restore path. In fact, I am just trying to get up to a point that the
> Exchange 2003 Data can be recovered and restored to a new server.
>
> Any clues?
>
> The only reedeming factor for me here is that I had no hand in breaking it,
> I am hoping to make it less broke....
>
> Thanks

These articles may help.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/317518
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;325356


--
Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

"JackW" wrote:
| No,
|
| No connections are defined, any that were there have dissapeared...
|
| "JackW" wrote:
|
| > The Windows Server 2003 Enterprise machine I am working on had a NIC
issue
| > and it was replaced (I was not involved). The new NIC will not install
and
| > dies with an error of "The system cannot find the file specified" -(what
| > file?). I have tried both the same NIC has the original, a different NIC
with
| > the same chipset, and a different NIC with a different chip set. Same
| > problem, and same error. I have even attempted the MS loopback adapter
and
| > still get the exact same error.
| > The system will not let me uninstall the old drivers because "needed by
| > windows to boot", and of course I can't install a new one.
| >
| > I have tried to find some sort of logfile to indicate "what file" can't
be
| > found, but no luck. I have also booted the setup disk and attempted a
repair
| > to make sure all of the system files are there, without effect.
| >
| > Of course this all happened during a period of backup issues, so there
is
| > not a restore path. In fact, I am just trying to get up to a point that
the
| > Exchange 2003 Data can be recovered and restored to a new server.
| >
| > Any clues?
| >
| > The only reedeming factor for me here is that I had no hand in breaking
it,
| > I am hoping to make it less broke....
| >
| > Thanks