Computer List Shows "Ghost" Computers

Hey guys,

I have a network with 5 computers attached to it at all times. I'm giving all of them names.

One station runs Windows XP Pro "Alpha", One station runs Windows Vista "Bravo", Three stations run Windows 7 Professional "Charlie, Delta, Echo".

Each of the computers show up on each other's list of networks like they are supposed to.

The catch here is we had a machine join our network temporarily and they also showed up on our list. No big deal "Foxtrot".

The computers have since left the network (one was re-imaged with Windows 7 and given a different name... was "Romeo" and became the current "Charlie" and is now one of the five "Normal" entries listed up top, and the second just left.)

The thing is all of the workstations see the usual suspects "Alpha through Echo" but also see "Foxtrot" and "Romeo" as if they were still there.

The router uses DHCP and I have been able to account for all of the addresses it's given out. I know for a fact Foxtrot and Romeo are not here anymore.

Any ideas on how to get these "ghosts" to drop off the network list?

I want to start of by saying thank you for understanding the NATO Phonetic Alphabet. It makes things so much easier. So, what we now call Romeo was originally Charlie, but there is a new Charlie correct?

I assume you have already tried this, but have you tried powering down all PC's on the network, hard rebooting the router (unplugging it and plugging it back in), then turning the computers back on? Make sure network discovery is enabled. Another solution would be rebuilding the work group from scratch. Reset what the work group is called (it can be the exact same thing) on each computer and reset the sharing rules. This might make it reset the list of available computers. Also, if this is a wireless network, are you sure someone isn't stealing your internet? It's a bit of a long shot in this case, but possible.

Petey7 said:

I want to start of by saying thank you for understanding the NATO Phonetic Alphabet. It makes things so much easier. So, what we now call Romeo was originally Charlie, but there is a new Charlie correct?

I assume you have already tried this, but have you tried powering down all PC's on the network, hard rebooting the router (unplugging it and plugging it back in), then turning the computers back on? Make sure network discovery is enabled. Another solution would be rebuilding the work group from scratch. Reset what the work group is called (it can be the exact same thing) on each computer and reset the sharing rules. This might make it reset the list of available computers. Also, if this is a wireless network, are you sure someone isn't stealing your internet? It's a bit of a long shot in this case, but possible.

It's been a few days since I've even thought about this.

I've powered down all the PCs. It's hard to find time to power down the router as there is usually someone here during the hours I am that is in need of at least one network resource and can't be interrupted. But since I Have the office to myself at the moment, I'll give that a whirl. I have noticed that one less "ghost" is present. Romeo is no longer on the list, but Foxtrot still is.

I have checked for any additional users and the Router reports no additional connections and we rotate WPA keys from time to time as well.

I'll report back.