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.
To manually install the Microsoft Loopback adapter in
Windows XP, follow these steps:
1. Click Start--> and then click Control Panel.
2. If you are in Classic view--> click Switch to Category View under Control Panel in the left pane.
3. Double-click Printers and Other
Hardware--> and then click Next.
