23rd April 2002
Networks can be nutty. I remember the headaches I faced when I first brought a hub into my home. What happens when you need a "network environment" and you don't have access to a network? Never fear, my Windows 2000 / XP friends. The Microsoft Loopback adapter is here to help. Actually, it's there - on your system. It may even be necessary to use when you're running into contentions with your NIC or its driver. Everything you ever needed in a network is contained in this virtual environment. Fire up the Control Panel's "Add/Remove Hardware" applet. Click Add / Troubleshoot a device \ Add a new device \ "No, I want to select the hardware from a list" \ Network adapters. In the Manufacturer's field, select Microsoft. Look for the "Microsoft Loopback Adapter" option in the subsequent Network Adapter section. Finish the process. You're done. You now have a network without having a network. Of course, don't expect to do anything exciting with it. This isn't like free Internet access, folks. It's another troubleshooting tool for your digital tool belt. Hitch up those pants, partner.