you must remove the adapter from any teams and uninstall (or disable) the intel network drivers using the network control panel before removing the adapter. if you remove the physical adapter prior to removing it from the network control panel, the adapter is not removed and remains as a phantom adapter.

    after ensuring the adapter is not part of a team, remove the adapter from the network control panel:

    1 from the control panel, double-click the network icon.

    2 click the adapters tab and highlight the adapter to remove.

    3 click remove.

    4 click ok.

    if you are removing the last adapter to use the intel network driver, the installer program asks you if you want to remove intel proset. click yes.

    5 shut-down the computer and unplug the power cable.

    6 disconnect the network cable from the adapter.

    7 open the case and remove the adapter.

    8 close the case.

    9 reattach the power cable, and power-up the computer.