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Question

howto remove tap-win32 adaptor from registry

Mar 24, 2014 6:15AM PDT

I have been trying to remove two tap-win32 adaptors from the registry. I have tried to remove them with device manager, and devcon and both refused (may be necessary for startup). I think my problem is that they are set, in the registry, as not being allowed to either delete or uninstall. This is why I am asking for help as I do not want to screw up my registry. I read one post as to how to do this but it referenced a registry path which did not exist.

I have checked my startups - cannot find them there, and cannot see them in processes either.

I thought that I had already posted this request but could not find it. If this is a duplicate I apologize.

Thank you.........

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Did you install ANY "VPN" or TrustConnect?
Mar 24, 2014 6:47AM PDT
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Answer
First I have to ask why do you want to fool w/the registry
Mar 24, 2014 6:29AM PDT

Is there some problem that you're trying to solve? If so, you didn't mention it. If not, my advice is to keep as far away from fooling around with the registry as you can. If you have a really good reason why you must do this, you could try the Revo Uninstaller. It has an option to scan the registry and remove any traces of programs.

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Answer
Re: tap-win32 adaptor
Mar 24, 2014 6:48AM PDT
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removing tap-win23
Mar 25, 2014 6:51AM PDT

Thank you for all the replies.

tap-win32 is a virtual internet adapter. Its used, and installed, with vpn's. this is not a program so uninstallers will not work as they do not see these. I can see them in the device manager which should uninstall but cannot due to some setting within the registry (I think). The error message says that the adaptor MAY be necessary to start the computer. These were installed with private internet (which I like). I have no idea why so many were installed. I was able to remove one but the others are just there. They have no drivers and have been disabled. Just want them gone from my system.

I went to privateinternetaccess support and asked them. They told me that they could not be removed because my machine is completely screwed up and I needed to reinstall everything from the operating system on up. This is crap. If you google "remove tap-win32" you will get about a half a million hits. This is not an unknown problem and is not new either. I just can't find the appropriate directions to get the job done (and I have tried). I really do not want to re-do this machine but I can if I must.