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Abstract

Methods of determining whether a network interface card entry within the system registry of a Windows.TM.-based operating system pertains to 'real' physical hardware or to a 'virtual' device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of: (1) opening the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.backslash.System.backslash.CurrentControlSet.backslash.Services.backslash.Class.backslash.Net key entry of the system registry; (2) examining each of the sub-keys for the 'Net' key, and find one with a 'DriverDesc' string value matching a NIC; (3) opening the 'Ndi' key under the matching sub-key; (4) getting the 'DeviceID' string value under the 'Ndi' key; and, (5) searching the 'DeviceID' string for a backslash '.backslash.' character. If the backslash character is found, then it can be concluded that the network interface card entry is associated with 'real' physical hardware. Otherwise, it can be concluded that the network interface card entry is associated with a 'virtual' device. In one particular embodiment, the present invention is implemented as part of a network configuration software or network monitoring software and allows users or system administrators to more easily monitor and modify the settings for network interface cards installed on a computer system running on Windows 95.RTM. or Windows 98.RTM. operating systems.

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First Claim