How to install the Microsoft Loopback adapter in Windows XP

[IronBits]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/839013
The Microsoft Loopback adapter is a testing tool for a virtual network environment where network access is not available.
Also, you must use the Loopback adapter if there are conflicts with a network adapter or with a network adapter driver.
You can bind network clients, protocols, and other network configuration items to the Loopback adapter,
and you can install the network adapter driver or network adapter later while retaining the network configuration information.
You can also install the Loopback adapter during the unattended installation process.
Unattend.txt file
[NetAdapters]
Adapter01=Params.Adapter01

[Params.Adapter01]
InfID="*msloop"
; Microsoft Loopback Adapter
ConnectionName ="MS Loopback Adapter"

[NetProtocols]
MS_TCPIP=Params.MS_TCPIP
; TCP/IP parameters
; Use parameter values specific to your network

[Params.MS_TCPIP]
AdapterSections=params.TCPIP.Adapter01
DNS=yes
DNSSuffixSearchOrder=mycorp.com
EnableLMHosts=No
; Adapter Specific TCP/IP parameters
; Use parameter values specific to your network

[params.TCPIP.Adapter01]
SpecificTo=Adapter01
DNSDomain=mycorp.com
DNSServerSearchOrder=192.168.5.251
WINS=no
DHCP=no
IPAddress=192.168.5.10
SubnetMask=255.255.255.0

DefaultGateway=192.168.5.254

[Paratima]

Fascinating, no doubt. But WTF does it DO? :scratch:

[IronBits]

For one thing, it helps with clients not finding a network, in some instances, and stalling out ...
Good for when you run VPN Servers with only one NIC as well...
If you run a BackOffice Small Business Server and don't have a NIC...
VPCs and VMs etc.
It's a driver that simulates having a physical network card ...

[Paratima]

Oh. :confused: Ahhhh! :idea:
OK, that's cool. Don't think I'll ever need it, but will add to toolbox anyhow. :smoking:

[PCZ]

Loopbacks are good.

Use them a fair bit with streaming servers.
Allows direct server return with the loopbacks all set to the IP of the load balancer vip.
Servers return traffic using the loopback as the source.

More info you didn't think you would ever need :)