Microsoft KB Archive/236869

= How To Install Microsoft Loopback Adapter in Windows 2000 =

Article ID: 236869

Article Last Modified on 10/30/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server

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This article was previously published under Q236869





IN THIS TASK
SUMMARY
 * Manual Installation
 * Unattended Installation



SUMMARY
The Microsoft Loopback adapter is a tool for testing in a virtual network environment where access to a network is not feasible. Also, the Loopback adapter is essential if there are conflicts with a network adapter or a network adapter driver. Network clients, protocols, and so on, can be bound to the Loopback adapter, and the network adapter driver or network adapter can be installed at a later time while retaining the network configuration information. The Loopback adapter can also be installed during the unattended installation process.

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Manual Installation

 * 1) Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add/Remove Hardware.
 * 2) Click Add/Troubleshoot a device, and then click Next.
 * 3) Click Add a new device, and then click Next.
 * 4) Click No, I want to select the hardware from a list, and then click Next.
 * 5) Click Network adapters, and then click Next.
 * 6) In the Manufacturers box, click Microsoft.
 * 7) In the Network Adapter box, click Microsoft Loopback Adapter, and then click Next.
 * 8) Click Finish.

After the adapter is installed successfully, you can configure its options manually, as with any other adapter. Note that if the TCP/IP properties are configured to use DHCP (the default), the adapter will eventually use an autonet address (169.254.x.x/16) because it is not actually connected to any physical media.

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Unattended Installation
Modify the Unattend.txt file using the following example as a guide to install the Microsoft Loopback adapter: [NetAdapters] Adapter01=Params.Adapter01

[Params.Adapter01] InfID="*msloop" ; Microsoft Loopback Adapter ConnectionName = "MS Loopback Adapter"

[NetProtocols] MS_TCPIP=Params.MS_TCPIP

[Params.MS_TCPIP] AdapterSections=params.TCPIP.Adapter01 DNS=yes DNSSuffixSearchOrder=mycorp.com EnableLMHosts=No
 * TCP/IP parameters
 * Use parameter values specific to your network

[params.TCPIP.Adapter01] SpecificTo=Adapter01 DNSDomain=mycorp.com DNSServerSearchOrder=192.168.5.251 WINS=no DHCP=no IPAddress=192.168.5.10 SubnetMask=255.255.255.0 DefaultGateway=192.168.5.254
 * Adapter Specific TCP/IP parameters
 * Use parameter values specific to your network

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Additional query words: Loopback Adapter

Keywords: kbhowto kbhowtomaster kbnetwork KB236869

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