HowTo: Remove Hidden Devices in Windows 2003

Devices that were in a system but now are gone, such as NICs, still linger and even get in the way of healthy operation. To get rid of them, follow these easy steps.

1. Open a command prompt.
2. At the prompt, type set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1 to set the Device Manager Console MMC to show the hidden devices, then press Enter.
3. Next, launch the Device Manager Console MMC by typing devmgmt.msc at the prompt.
4. Now, in the Device Manager Console MMC, click ViewShow Hidden Devices.

Now you can browse the device tree and find the pesky device that has outstayed its welcome.

Devices that are not loaded will be greyed out, but don't go crazy here. Just whack the devices you know you don't need; being overly zealous here could get you into VERY deep trouble.