How to Remove Services and Device Drivers in Windows NT

 Last reviewed: January 15, 1996
Article ID: Q140415
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5 and 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5 and 3.51

SUMMARY

After installing vendor supplied software or drivers under Windows NT, it is sometimes desired to remove these components later. In general, this article describes how to disable services and drivers under Windows NT, and how to remove them.

MORE INFORMATION

Services and drivers may be removed from NT by using the Registry Editor (REGEDT32.EXE). Prior to their removal, the services must be stopped. Some services or drivers cannot be stopped, but must be set to disabled. In such cases, the server must be rebooted prior to removal.

WARNING: Some services and drivers are required for proper system operation. Stopping or disabling of some services can render a system unusable.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

To remove a service or device:

  1. Stop the service or device driver.

    For services, run Control Panel and choose Services. For device drivers, run Control Panel and choose Devices.

    If the service or device driver does not stop, set the startup type to disabled and reboot the computer.

  2. Run Registry Editor (REGEDT32.EXE).

  3. From the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE subtree, find the key: 

          \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services

  4. Find the registry key that corresponds to the service or device driver to be deleted.

  5. Delete the key and related subkeys:

    a. Select the key. b. From the Edit menu, choose Delete. c. Choose YES to confirm the deletion of the key.

  6. Quit Registry Editor.

  7. Shut down and restart the computer.

NOTE: Other registry keys may exist elsewhere in the registry. For best results, check with the software vendor for more information.

KBCategory: kbusage
KBSubcategory: ntregistry
Additional reference words: prodnt 3.10 3.50 3.51

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: January 15, 1996
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.