Extra SSID With My Name Pops Up With Router OFF

So I got a new router today,

I got the Archer C7 Router, and I set up the router as intended. I connected VIA wifi, typed in the password at the bottom of the router, and then put in the 192. etc. into the browser. Connected to the router and did a easy configure.

I changed the password and wifi name. Router was set up and worked great.

Later I popped the disc in and out of curiousity hit the express set up. It started to look to set up and it realized that it couldn't without being connected via wire. So I just exited out. So essentially I went to set up a device that I already set up.

Well now I have 2 SSID's!!!! One of them has my last name and it is OPEN!

If you connect to it, the internet doesn't work, it doesn't prompt a sign in. Nothing.

I disconnected my cable modem AND my router, and the SSID IS STILL THERE WITH NO ROUTER!!!

It's bugging the crap out of me because it still is there with NO modem or router, and it shows up on my phone, computer, etc.

Any ideas as to what could be causing this second SSID?

Let me add that the guest network setting is turned off in the settings! And no sign in pops up to sign in either, so that's ruled out.

And it's just crazy to me that MY NAME is on an open wifi that doesn't work, and still shows up even when my router AND modem are shut down

It looks like TP-Link Archer C7 Router's version V2 and V3 default to Disable security in 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, It also has both bands enabled by default.

To change the security setting's select the Wireless 2.4 GHz Tab and check if security is enabled and do the same for the Wireless 5 GHz

I have that router too, I didn't have to do any setup with a disc though.

As for the second SSID, can't you just remove it in the control panel, network and sharing center?

Like this,

How to remove the existing wireless network profile in Windows 7 - Welcome to TP-LINK

Even if I "remove it" from my computer, it displays on all devices. Even though it can't technically connect to the internet, it does say it's on a 2.4 GHZ connection. My last name is the Wifi SSD Name! So I would worry that a neighbor who is tech saavy could connect to it, and find a way to connect to my network.


I've literally restarted every tech device we have, even reset all modems and routers and it's still showing up at 4-5 bars FULL strength, as if I have a router somewhere in the house broadcasting with it.

It's 100% sure not a guest network because I turned on the guest network with a different name, and password protected it.

It's like a Ghost SSID as they call it.

Yeah, I was hoping it would be something simple. I can't see anywhere in the settings that allows something like that.

On the settings for 2.4 GHZ is there just the one that works listed?

Honestly, if it was mine I would just reset the router and start over, I don't know a lot about networking so I can't offer much more than that.

I did. And it's just CRAZY because I reset both routers, and there is still an SSID with "no internet" out there with my last name. Even when they are both unplugged it shows up.

That would mean it would be a neighbor. I would assume since I changed all my info that they aren't connected to me, but it's confusing.

It's an open internet connection, showing 65 mbps, but it shows no internet connectivity and I have 4-5 FULL bars in my house, at times better than my own router. SO bizarre!

sml156 said:

It looks like TP-Link Archer C7 Router's version V2 and V3 default to Disable security in 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, It also has both bands enabled by default.

To change the security setting's select the Wireless 2.4 GHz Tab and check if security is enabled and do the same for the Wireless 5 GHz

I have both bands with separate SSID's, that are BOTH different than the one with my last name.

Also they are both configured with passwords. (I'm saavy enough to at least program them by putting in the ip address. Both are clearly showing enabled, both with passwords. I also have a guest network enabled with a completely separate name. So all 3 of those SSID's are completely different.

And again, it shows up with both routers unplugged!!

EDIT:After rereading your last post I see that you said you had power off on the router and that you could still see the SSID.

Could you take a screenshot of this unwanted SSID.

If you don't know how to do that follow this Tutorial
Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums




You could do what's called a 30-30-30 reset, What that does is completely reset the router and completely remove anything that may be in the router's memory and you will start from a completely fresh factory state.

The way to do a 30-30-30

1. Press reset button for a full 30 seconds.
2. With the reset button still pressed remove power from the router for a full 30 seconds.
3. With the reset button still pressed power up the unit for a full 30 seconds.
4. let go of the reset button and let the unit start itself up.

If you still see the unwanted SSID after all this I can guarantee you that it is not that router broadcasting it.

You may have to grow two more arms to do this properly.