While trying to change a network card I found that my Network properties applet no longer works properly. "Remove"ing or checking an item's "Properties" works fine, but clicking on "add" and trying to add a "Protocol" for an adapter returns absolutely nothing. Ditto so I've found for "Client" and "Service". Adding an "Adapter" brings up an applet to add a device, but that's the only one of the four options that does work. For the moment I've removed the new NIC and placed the old one back in getting everything working by restoring yesterday's registry backup. Is there a way to get this applet working again or reinstalling Windows' networking without doing a complete reinstallation of Windows itself?

When replacing hardware the best practice is to remove it from device manager first. Then shut down the computer. Now, after usual safety procedures (ground yourself on an unpainted metal part of the case, remove the mains power cord) take out the old card and install the new one. Reassemble and reboot. Windows should find the new hardware and look for drivers.

That's the way I did it... I found the problem while trying to configure the new card. I couldn't even configure the old card when I put it back... I had to use a registry backup to get everything working again.

Since you know how to reverse the changes, it would be worth trying it again. I can't quite see how changing a card will damage a control panel applet. Possibly corrupt drivers? You normally do not have to manually configure the card. Windows should do this for you. The only configuration I have ever had to do is set the IP address which is in the TCP/IP properties and to change the logon method.

Tried that already.... several times... the problem lies with Windows' Network properties applet... it simply does not function properly. QUOTE: "The only configuration I have ever had to do is set the IP address which is in the TCP/IP properties and to change the logon method." BINGO!!! EXACTLY what I need to do... add the TCP/IP protocol to the card... only problem is... when I select "protocol" for the card and click "add" nothing happens... no dialog box giving me the "TCP/IP", "NetBEUI", & etc protocols... which is what I'm trying to fix... I'm guessing here a reinstall of Windows is the only option.

I think I see where you are not quite on the right spot. Click on the TCP/IP protocol. Then click on properties.

I would if I could... but the properties are not there... I need to ADD the TCP/IP protocol for the card.... PLEASE... go back and re-read my original post. Windows picks up the card... but only adds the card as hardware and installs the drivers... I need to add the TCP/IP protocol for the card... when I try to do that NOTHING HAPPENS... there should come a dialog box for me to select various network protocols to add for the card... and it does not come up as it should. My description of the problem is dead on... YOU are not getting what should be happening... I've only done this about a thousand times before... I know what should and/or should not happen... the problem is with Windows' Networking applet... the question is... is there a way to reinstall Windows Networking (NOT "Dial Up" Networking) without re-installing Windows completely??? I've tried just copying a fresh copy of "NETCPL.CPL" but that didn't solve the problem.