Windows 7 Limited Access after software removal ----

[graybeard]

Win 7 ultimate 64 bit.

Sometime ago I had to install ORACLE VIRTUALBOX to do some linux/debain work with UBUNTU. NOW I'm trying to restore my machine. When I uninstall the VIRTUALBOX the network quits working. All the network drivers show up in the device manager. I haven't seen any settings between the 'before' and 'after' driver settings. Yet when I connect to my wireless connector I get 'Limited Access', No internet when connected to my wireless cable modem. Further, running IPCONFIG /ALL only lists the bluetooth driver as present. The wireless and wired adapters are not listed. Yea, Sounds like a driver problem.


Restore to the restore point prior to the deletion and the wireless internet connection is back.

I downloaded the most recent drivers (network adapters, usb, etc). Installed them. Network still works. Remove VIRTURALBOX and the network is no longer present. Reinstall the newly downloaded drivers; reboot; Still the same result. IPCONFIG doesn't see the adapters and can't connect to the Wireless modem.

Restore the restore point and the internet is back, or I couldn't write this. I can live with the VIRTUALBOX installed (not my preference), but I don't know what other parts may be broken because of it. I would like to remove it without having to spend days doing a wipe, new install, configuration, updates, and re-install of all programs.
UGH!!.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are facing network connection issues after uninstalling Oracle VirtualBox on your Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit system. Here are some steps you can try to resolve this problem without having to perform a full reinstall:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Check Device Manager:
   • Open Device Manager and check for any exclamation marks or warning symbols next to your network adapters. This can indicate driver issues.
   []Uninstall VirtualBox:
   • Before uninstalling VirtualBox again, make sure to create a System Restore Point as a backup.
   • Uninstall Oracle VirtualBox properly through the Control Panel to ensure all related components are removed.
   []Clean Network Adapter Drivers:
   • After uninstalling VirtualBox, clean the network adapter drivers:
     • Open Device Manager.
     • Right-click on the network adapters and choose "Uninstall." Check the box to delete the driver software for this device.
     • Restart your computer.
   []Reinstall Network Adapters:
   • Download the latest drivers for your network adapters from the manufacturer's website on another computer.
   • Copy the drivers to a USB drive.
   • Install the drivers manually in Device Manager:
     • Right-click on the network adapter in Device Manager.
     • Choose "Update Driver Software."
     • Select "Browse my computer for driver software" and navigate to the location of the downloaded drivers.
   []Check Network Services:
   • Ensure that essential network services are running:
     • Press Win + R, type "services.msc," and press Enter.
     • Check that services like "WLAN AutoConfig" and "Wired AutoConfig" are running and set to start automatically.
   []Check Network Settings:
   • Verify that your network settings are correct:
     • Ensure that your network adapter is enabled.
     • Check TCP/IP settings by going to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings > Right-click on your adapter > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.
   []System File Checker (SFC) Scan:
   • Run an SFC scan to check for and repair any corrupted system files that could be affecting network functionality.
2. Additional Tools:
   • You can also use tools like "netsh" commands to reset TCP/IP stack or Winsock if necessary.

     Note:​

   • If the issue persists even after trying these steps, consider seeking further assistance from a professional or the manufacturer's support for advanced troubleshooting. By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the network connection issues caused by uninstalling Oracle VirtualBox without having to perform a complete system reinstallation.