✅[Fixed] A Network Adapter Hardware Error Occurred – 5 Simple Ways

In this article, We will try to resolve the SonicWall Connect Tunnel “A network adapter hardware error occurred.” issue by using some simple steps which will take a maximum of 20 minutes to complete.

Error Details

What is SonicWall Connect Tunnel?

SonicWall Connect Tunnel is a remote working place that provides a secure authorized virtual office environment anywhere and anytime to deliver fast and secure remote access.

Basic features of SonicWall Connect Tunnel:

• It provides fast and secure environment.
• It is supported on all Windows Platform.

Why did I get the “A Network Adapter Hardware Error Occurred” error?

Mostly we get this error in the following common situations or circumstances:

Cause – 1

When the user has multiple VPN clients already installed on his/her system from which one or more VPN client is already legacy and use DNE. Actually, DNE adds legacy filters on other existing adapters, causing Windows adapter configuration API to fail thus leading to CT error.

Cause – 2

Specific drivers are outdated and users using those legacy drivers for a long time.

Cause – 3

You may use corrupted OS in his/her system. Sometimes you may have installed various drivers or any third-party malicious software which may cause to corrupt your OS and may work inconsistency with the hardware because of several changes or general software/hardware failures.

There may be other causes for which we may face this type of error while trying to connect VPN using SonicWall Connect Tunnel in our system.

Read Also: Java Program To Print Vowels In A String – 2 Simple Programs

How to Fix “A Network Adapter Hardware Error Occurred” Error?

We have collected the best solutions for resolving the “A Network Adapter Hardware Error Occurred” issue. You are advised to try the methods in ascending order only. Let’s see all the methods one by one and try to fix the issue.

Method-1: Repair corrupted files

Use System File Checker

This tool will help to find the corrupted or if any files are missing in your system which may help you resolve this issue. As it will check all system files, So it may take a little longer time as expected.

Steps to Use System File Checker:

1. Run Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for cmd and right click on the Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press enter. It will check automatically all the system files. Please wait until the verification process completed.
3. Once the process will be completed, restart your system and verify the “A Network Adapter Hardware Error Occurred” issue.

Use Checkdisk

This tool will help to resolve inconsistency issues with OS as well as system errors.

Steps to Use System File Checker:

1. Run Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for cmd and right click on the Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator.
2. Type the following command:
   • chkdsk /r and click Enter.
   • chkdsk /f and click Enter.
3. If the below message will be displayed:  
   • Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N). Then press ‘Y’ and click Enter.
4. Restart your system and check disk run. 

Method-2: Repair Your Drivers

When end-users change their systems file frequently, it may affect your system drivers. To repair your drivers, you need to either reinstall your drivers or you can update your drivers.

Follow below steps to repair your Drivers:

Check if Drivers are Outdated

1. Go to Device Manager.(Either directly search for “Device Manager” or type “devmgmt.msc” and press enter)
2. Check each drivers if any driver needs to be updated, then update it immediately.(Hint: Specially focus on network adapters drivers)
3. You can also Uninstall the desired drivers and Install it again. This will resolve the problem automatically.
4. Otherwise you can also directly download drivers from manufacturers and run those directly. It will replace the previous drivers.
5. You can also some third party driver solution managers like Driver Easy, Driver Hub, Driver Booster, Driver Talent, and more.

Method-3: By Removing Unsupported VPN Softwares

Users may be used unsupported or outdated VPN software previously. Follow the below steps carefully to clear the registry correctly and to fix the issue.

Try to Fix Automatically

To fix the issue automatically, please follow the below steps:

1. Download the Troubleshooter.
2. When you are prompted, Select Ok.
3. Follow the instructions to run troubleshooter.

Try to Fix Manually

To fix the issue manually, please follow the below steps:

1. Go to Start or Search Option and search for cmd.
2. Run Command Prompt as Administrator.
3. Type following commands and run
   • reg delete HKCR\CLSID\{988248f3-a1ad-49bf-9170-676cbbc36ba3} /f
   • netcfg -v -u dni_dne
4. Restart your system and check for the “A Network Adapter Hardware Error Occurred” issue.

Method-4: Use System Restore

Sometimes due to any unauthorized actions or system changes, You may need to use System Restore to fix this type of issue. Follow the below steps to use System Restore.

If you are using Windows 8, 8.1, or 10, then follow the below steps:

1. Go to Start button and right click on Start button.
2. Click on System and then choose System and Security.
3. Go to System option on left menu and click on System Protection.
4. Click on System Restore and follow the instructions given there to select restore point and then click on all “Next” buttons until the Finish button comes.
5. Complete the restore process.

If you are using Windows 11, then follow the below steps:

1. Go to Control Panel and search for “recovery” by using the search panel.
2. Go to Recovery > Open System Restore.
3. Select next in the Restore system files and settings box.
4. Select the restore point and then click on Scan for affected programs.
5. You can see the list of items which will be deleted for the selected resrtore point. If you are Ok eith the displayed list then click Close > Next > Finish.

Method-5: Repair or Reinstall OS

1. This is the best way to fix any type of software related issues by reinstalling the OS. Users are requested to keep the backup of their important files.
2. Insert your installation media and restart your system.
3. Access your BIOS during restart. Make sure which function key is required to sccess the BIOS for your system. It may differ system to system like F1, F2 or Delete button.
4. Go to Boot Section and set booting for installation disk and save the settings.
5. First try with the repair utility by choosing it and follow the instructions to complete it. This will save your time. If after rebooting of your system, you are facing the issue then only go for the clean installation of OS.

Last Words

Hope, this article may help you to fix the “A Network Adapter Hardware Error Occurred” issue. Please share your valuable feedback about this article in the comment box below.

FAQs

References

1. https://www.errorvault.com/en/troubleshooting/windows-system-errors/microsoft/windows/error-57_error-adap-hdw-err
2. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/computer-that-has-vpn-software-installed-can-t-detect-wireless-network-after-upgrading-to-windows-10-90730779-f7f7-009f-c32d-f64b98463448
3. https://community.sonicwall.com/technology-and-support/discussion/3833/connect-tunnel-a-network-adapter-hardware-error-occurred-issue