changing mac address?

how do i change my mac address. i have windows 7 with a 32 bit op system.

On my Intel adapter the setting is called "Locally Administered Address". You can change it if you want to. Other adapter brands may have a similar setting. Right click your computer icon and hit properties (or control panel | System Properties | Device Manager). Find your network adapter, right click it and choose properties and look for your MAC address setting there.

Reasons to change it include replacing a computer system in a secure environment where the MAC is hard-coded into the security scheme. Sometimes, but not likely, really cheap adapters from the same company may have the same MAC encoded onto the card, and they cannot both exist on the same LAN. Another less savory reason is to "spoof" another computer into believing you are someone you are not (on a particular LAN).

MAC addresses are easy to change as a simple Google search quickly shows. I agree with dj99 about the reasons, except for the "cheap adapters" part. Cheap could be a factor, but really has nothing to do with duplicate MAC addresses. Every single network device ever made in the whole world is suppose to have a unique address. That includes network adapters in every computer, routers, WAPs, cable/DSL modems, print servers, etc. must have a unique address. This means all the manufacturers world wide must coordinate their numbering schemes. There have been literally billions of devices made. Sometimes, even with the major players, duplicate MAC addresses are issued, and by chance, end up on the same network. So for years, there has been legitimate reasons, and the ability to change the address that is presented to the network.

But I also agree with dj99 that spoofing the address can be used for nefarious reasons too. So I would ask you explain why when seeking help on a site that is here to help others remain safe and secure, and keep the badguys at bay.

I use A-Mac Address Change (latest version is 5.3)

tejji said:

I don't think you can change mac address easily as your mac address is your hardware address. One possible solution is changing your hardware, i.e., network card, that will change your mac address.

That's obviously not true as shown before and after your post. That said, there are legitimate and nefarious reasons to change the MAC address. Therefore care should be taken to ensure it is done for the right reasons.