A troubleshooting guide documenting a real-world case where both Ethernet and Wi-Fi network adapters suddenly stopped working on Windows, eventually disappearing after a restart due to Device Manager – Error Code 56.
This repository documents the complete troubleshooting process, including temporary workarounds, diagnostic commands, root cause analysis, and the final solution that restored both network adapters.
The issue started as an intermittent network failure affecting both wired and wireless adapters.
Initially, the problem could be temporarily resolved using Windows network troubleshooting tools, but after restarting the computer:
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi adapters disappeared.
- Windows could no longer connect to the Internet.
- Device Manager reported Error Code 56.
Fortunately, the actual cause was different.
- Step-by-step troubleshooting process
- Temporary fixes that helped during diagnosis
- Useful Windows network diagnostic commands
- Device Manager Error Code 56 investigation
- Registry-related root cause
- Final working solution
- References and resources
Some of the Windows commands used during troubleshooting include:
ipconfig /all
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ping 8.8.8.8
ping (Default Gateway)
getmac
##Images
The investigation revealed that Error Code 56 was caused by a corrupted VMware Bridge Registry configuration.
Removing the problematic registry entry and restarting Windows restored the Ethernet adapter, allowing Internet access and driver installation. After reinstalling the required drivers, both network adapters worked normally again.
Creating a Registry backup is generally recommended before making any changes.
In this specific case, the registry entry belonged to VMware Bridge Networking rather than a core Windows component. If VMware networking stops working after removing the key, reinstalling or repairing VMware is usually sufficient to restore it.
However, if you are unsure whether your issue matches this guide, creating a Registry backup first is still the safest approach
Before making major system changes (installing VPN clients, virtualization software, or network drivers), it is recommended to prepare a recovery plan:
- Create a Windows Restore Point to restore system settings and Registry changes.
- Keep a backup copy of important drivers, especially network adapter drivers, because losing network connectivity can prevent downloading them later.
Driver backup tools such as Double Driver can be used to export installed drivers and restore them when needed.
- Microsoft Answers
- YouTube troubleshooting video
- DriverPack Solution Online
This repository exists to help anyone facing the same issue avoid unnecessary Windows reinstallation and understand the troubleshooting process that led to the solution.
If this guide saves you time, consider giving the repository a ⭐.