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November 19, 2001

How can I change my media access control (MAC) address under Windows NT 4.0?

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A. Each network adapter card has a MAC address, which machines on local subnets use to talk to each other. MAC addresses are usually burned into the adapters during the manufacturing process. To overwrite a network adapter card's default MAC address, perform the following steps:

  1. Start the registry editor (e.g., regedit.exe).
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\<network adapter>\Parameters.
  3. From the Edit menu, select New - String Value.
  4. Type a name of NetworkAddress, and press Enter.
  5. Double-click the new value, and enter the adapter's new MAC value.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Close the registry editor.
  8. Reboot the machine.

End of Article



Reader Comments
How Do I really Change NIC's MAC address? Is It possible? And Is if it is, can I do it with some software of any mechanical interruption is needed?

Jancis January 13, 2003


You're kidding right? Changing the HARDWARE MAC address can only be accomplished by running a program that modifies that 'unique number' in the Network adapter's memory. The MAC address is stored on the network card, not in the windows registry. I wouldn't be surprised if 3COM, Intel, and other network card manufacturers offered software to change their MAC addresses programatically, but the new address should still conform to the address range set aside for each manufacturer.

Bill November 17, 2003


SMAC is a very easy to use, and very intuitive tool for changing MAC address on Windows 2000 and XP. Usually can change the MAC in seconds, and no need to go through registry. Works for almost all NICs according to the SMAC website:
http://www.klcconsulting.net/smac

jsmith March 11, 2004


You've got to be kidding. Damn. I really need to change my MAC Address, I don't need some clown who doesn't know what the hell their talking about.

Nobody March 28, 2004


How do I do under w2k?

azyx April 03, 2004


hey buddy your are right but did you ever hear about administered MAC address?

elmoton April 08, 2004


I WANT TO CHANGE MY ON BOARD LAN MAC ADREES

alireza joudaki April 11, 2004


I used this on Windows 95/98 and it worked, so why wouldn't it work on later versions of Windows? Some NIC drivers refer to the registry key to overwrite the hardware setting, some don't. Choose the right brand/driver or use a third party program to accomplish the task.

Novis May 21, 2004


Windows has a registry key that, if set, replaces the MAC address for every outgoing packet sent. It's only a temporary thing though; you don't actually change the physical MAC address, you just spoof a different one.

On XP, you just need to go into the device driver, find the setting called "Network Address" type in a 12-digit hexadecimal number and voila.

surprised that some people didn't know May 24, 2004


I need to know how to change the mac address in windows ME please email me Patandangie99@yahoo.com

Anonymous User October 09, 2004 (Article Rating: )


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