MAC Address 00:00:00:00:00:00

**RADAR1797** · December 9th, 2007, 09:26 PM

I don't know why, but my network adapter on my laptop is set to 00:00:00:00:00:00. Can I change it to a valid MAC address? I thought the MAC address was programmed and unique to each network device from the factory. Any help will be appreciated.

**RobRich** · December 9th, 2007, 09:38 PM

Which network adapter? Physical or virtual? For example, some virtual adapters like for certain virtualization software packages could have a zero'd MAC address. Virtual adapters can usually be manually configured via the related software.

I would find it rather odd for a phsyical network adapter to have a zero'd MAC address.

If you do want to try forcing a specific MAC address for a physical adapter, here ya' go:

http://www.nthelp.com/NT6/change_mac_w2k.htm

Note, the linked instructions should work for most basic wired network adapters. As for wireless adapters and some specialized adapters, YMMV.

**RADAR1797** · December 9th, 2007, 10:15 PM

Rob,

Thanks, I put in a valid MAC address as your link described. It took it and I verified that windows had with a look at ipconfig. Still was unable to connect to my router. I finally just turned MAC address filtering off and repaired the connection in windows and it finally went back to the original MAC address and connected to the network. One I got the right MAC address acknowledge on the router, I entered it in the access list and turned MAC address filtering back on. Thanks for the help!

**aj4mq** · November 23rd, 2010, 11:26 AM

Oddly enough, I didn't have the option anywhere on mine to change the mac, through the device manager, through the registry, or direct flash.. It worked fine on my desk, and when I moved it into the office, it went all 0's. Strangely, back on my desk, it has it's mac address again..

Tested the wires, all are fine. This may actually be a result of the router/switch that the computer is plugged into... Beyond that, I couldn't imagine..

hope this helps someone else.

Originally Posted by RADAR1797

Rob,

Thanks, I put in a valid MAC address as your link described. It took it and I verified that windows had with a look at ipconfig. Still was unable to connect to my router. I finally just turned MAC address filtering off and repaired the connection in windows and it finally went back to the original MAC address and connected to the network. One I got the right MAC address acknowledge on the router, I entered it in the access list and turned MAC address filtering back on. Thanks for the help!