VirtualBox can't create host network interface

[CreativeC]

Hi; When I try to create a host network interface I get this error: Querying NetCfgInstanceId failed (0x00000002). Error code : E_FAIL (0x80004005) Component : HostNetworkInterfaceWrap Interface : IHostNetworkInterface {455f8c45-44a0-a470-ba20-27890b96dba9}

[Mihai Hanor]

Reinstall VirtualBox while making sure VirtualBox Host-Only Networking is selected.

[Socratis]

1. It's usually better and faster, if issues get first addressed in the ​VirtualBox forums, a lot more eyes there. More than 95% of the issues are resolved over there, which keeps the developers focusing on the bug fixes and enhancements, and there is no need for another ticket to keep track of.

2. As "mhanor" said, you have only these in your VBoxSVC.log:

   C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\VBoxUSBMon.sys (Version: 5.2.22.26460)
   C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\VBoxDrv.sys (Version: 5.2.22.26460)
   

   you should have an additional two:

   C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\VBoxNetAdp6.sys (Version: 5.2.22.26460)
   C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\VBoxNetLwf.sys (Version: 5.2.22.26460)
   

   which means that you left out all the networking options.

3. Do you have an antivirus installed, a 3rd party antivirus? If yes, completely uninstall it before trying this operation again.

[CreativeC]

VirtualBox can't create these files despite uninstalling every antivirus... Shall I install it in safe mode with networking ?

[Socratis]

Replying to CreativeC:

despite uninstalling every antivirus

I really hope you mean "uninstall" and not just "disable". Huge difference. Well, here's a procedure that we've used in the forums that has solved a lot of headaches. Try that and see what you get...

• Uninstall VirtualBox. Your VMs are going to be untouched. Reboot.

• You may want to clean up your registry and/or filesystem at this point. CCleaner is a freeware utility that could help you. Mind the installation, it comes with "offers" from 3rd parties, known as "bundleware". Also, check out the ​Device Cleanup program that helps you to remove any unused devices from your computer.

• Download (if you haven't already) the latest VirtualBox and its matching ExtPack. Store them in a common location, i.e. not on "Desktop", or "Documents", but to "Public/Downloads" for example.

• Uninstall (don't simply disable) all 3rd party antivirus. If you're afraid about your computer being vulnerable, pull the Ethernet plug, disconnect your WiFi, don't go browsing around.

• Locate the downloaded file in Windows Explorer. Right-click on the installer and select "Run-as-Administrator", even if you are the administrator. At the end of the installation, choose to "Start Oracle VM VirtualBox". Do not worry if your VMs do not show up.

• If you're going to install the ExtPack, go to File » Preferences » Extensions. Click on the icon with the orange, down-pointing arrow on the right. Select the ExtPack from the previous steps.

• Quit VirtualBox. Re-start VirtualBox as you would normally, i.e. from the Desktop shortcut or the Start menu.

• Update the Guest Additions (GAs) in your guest(s), if the GAs are available for a specific guest.

[CreativeC]

Replying to socratis:

I really hope you mean "uninstall" and not just "disable".

Yes I completely uninstalled it.

• You may want to clean up your registry and/or filesystem at this point. CCleaner is a freeware utility that could help you.

I used to clear the registry using Avast Cleanup after uninstalling VBox but this time I did it with CCleaner as you said and even with the antivirus only disabled it managed to create an Host-only adapter...

Thanks a lot, anyway.

[Socratis]

Glad you got it going finally. I guess the ticket can be closed as "WorksForMe".