[CentOS] Unable to remove interface (5.4)

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So here is my problem: I'm unable to remove an interface on CentOS 5.4
(/etc/init.d/network restart keeps enabling it again)

Background:
The system had several interfaces set
(eth0 eth0.6 eth0.7 eth0.8)
1.) I added a test interface...eth0.9
2.) but later deleted the /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0.9
file (since i no longer needed it)
3.) I then did ifconfig eth0.9 down
4.) I then setup eth0.7 with the same IP address settings that eth0.9 had.
5.) Upon a restart of /etc/init.d/network all the interfaces come up
including eth0.9

This obviously causes a problem...are there any recommendations how to
remove this "deleted" interface? Many thanks!

Side note: rebooting the computer isn't an option.
- -Jason

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