Hidden network adapters

I received this error when changing a TCP/IP settings on a VMware virtual machine that was converted from a physical to a virtual machine.

The IP address you entered for this network adapter is already assigned to another adapter.

You may also get this message; Cannot rename this connection. A connection with the name you specified already exists. Specify a different name.

The problem is a hidden network adapter with the same connection name or TCP/IP setting.

This is how I fixed it;

1. Click Start, click Run, type cmd.exe, and then press ENTER.
2. Type set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1, and then press ENTER.
3. Type Start DEVMGMT.MSC, and then press ENTER.

4. Click View, and then click Show Hidden Devices.
5. Expand the Network Adapters tree.
6. Right-click the dimmed network adapter, and then click Uninstall.