How do I remove an old version of WinPcap?

I resolved this issue on Windows 7 x64 by:

  1. opening a command prompt as administrator (Win+R > cmd > Enter)
  2. navigate to \windows\syswow64
  3. delete Packet.dll
  4. reboot
  5. Install new version of Winpcap

While I never found a way to remove the old WinpCap my colleague suggested I boot up in safe mode in order to stop the mystery program from using it. Although I still got a warning that an old version was unable to be removed (and do I want to continue with the install?) the installation this time was successful.

So if you find yourself in this dilemma a possible workaround is to boot up in safe mode and install from there.


When I uninstalled some Netgear Wireless Adapter software, packet.dll was removed, enabling me to successfully install WinPcap.