When upgrading to Windows Vista, you will inherit many programs and drivers from the previous version of Windows (such as 2000 or XP).  Also, you may have to re-install some software and drivers for hardware products.  Many of these drivers will be older, and potentially incompatible with Vista.

Fortunately, Windows Vista is fairly ell behaved, and tells you when it finds an incompatibility.  Unfortunately, other than trying to help you find a replacement, it does nothing to help you remove the offending driver from your system.  The following will help you solve this problem, and be rid of those drivers once and for all.

Caution: When modifying your Windows Configuration, be sure that you have a full and accessible backup of your data.  Also be sure you have you Windows installation discs on hand in case you need them (with newer systems, this involves creating operating system discs).  Work carefully, and meticulously - take notes of steps performed in the event that you need technical support.

First: Uninstall

There are two steps needed to completely remove the software that came with your adapter.  First, uninstall the software/utility:

On your Windows Vista desktop, click on Start (the Vista logo), then click on "Control Panel" - this will open the set of system utilities.

Double click on "Programs and Features" - this is the utility that allows you to Uninstall installed applications, software, and utilities.  This is not a place to play around - only do what you need to do.

Single click (left mouse button) on the software you want to remove.  For example, if you installed the software for a scanner, that is now giving you problems, find the scanner software and click it to begin the uninstall process.

Then click on Uninstall/Change button on the top of the list.  (double clicking on the item would have avoided this step).

You will see a warning message asking you to confirm the installation/uninstallation process.  Click OK to continue

The software now will begin its uninstallation process.  If prompted - click Yes to proceed.

When the process is completed, the software should be removed from the list of installed software - you may close the window (listing of software) when done.
 
Second: Remove Any Old Driver Files

It is unfortunate, that still after 20 years of Windows, it still doesn't know how to remove software with 100% certainty.  Though in fairness, it isn't totally Microsoft's fault - the individual software developers are supposed to be creating a total record of what was installed so they can remove it!  Few do, so you have to be the bloodhound to track down the remnants.

Click on Start (the Vista logo), then RIGHT click on "Computer".  A context menu will appear.  Click on "Properties" in the menu.

A dialog box will appear, click on "Device Manager" in the upper left (or it may be "Hardware" then have a "Device Manager" button), then click on Continue when the security window appears.

This part is a little more complicated, and you must be very careful.  If you are uncertain, call the Tech Support number for the product you are uninstalling - they can help you.

You will see a list of installed devices.  Try to locate the device associated with the software you just uninstalled.  For example, we uninstalled scanner software, so look for the scanner. Look for your specific device - do not change anything else!

Click the plus sign in front of each category to expand them.

When you find the device you want to remove, RIGHT click on that device and choose Uninstall from the menu that will appear.

You will see a "Confirm Device Uninstall" window appear - make sure to check the box of "Delete the driver software for the device" then click OK to continue.

Once your device is removed from the device list, close the window.  Unplug your device (if it already wasn't).

Third: Restart Your Computer

A word about software changes:  It is actually important to restart your computer after every major software installation or uninstallation.  This allows your computer to perform a variety of house-keeping chores, which will help maintain performance and security.

The third, and final step is to Restart your computer.  When your computer restarts, the drivers should be removed, and any Vista error message that previously appears, should not reappear.