xp/device manager/deleting drivers ?

[mak200]

Windows xp pro
Been using a network card and NTL set top box for broadband.
Changed from set top box to cable modem.
Instalation will be easy i know that cos i still have thre ntl instalation cd and its a doddle.
BUT...
trying to install the modem etc via the ntl cd it comes up with an error saying its detected the drivers for the previous network adapter and i should delete them via device manager (as you would).
But when i try and delete them in device manager (they are hidden) its says it failed to delete the drivers and this may be cos they are necessary to boot the system ???
I disable them but the ntl instalation process still wont continue till these drivers have gone.
Windows xp has a file protection that is obviously coming into play when i try and delete these (what it sees as important) files.
How can i turn the file protection off or delete these files somehow ?
I`ve even traced the files in question into the system32 windows/drivers file and deleted em and they just keep reappearing

The hardware in question has long been removed by the way.

How can i delete em ?

cheers
dave


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