Solved How do I Rename an "Unidentified" Local Network

[geofferyh]

Why is my Workgroup (WHARFSIDENET) local network identified on my Win7Pro PC as an "Unidentified (Public) Network"? Is this a Windows 7 bug?

From the "Network and Sharing Center", clicking on the "Park Bench" opens to the "Network Properties". Here, by default the network name (Unidentified Network) is automatically selected, but cannot be changed. Also, the network Icon can't be changed.

This local ethernet network is used for File Sharing and Remote Desktop Connections and works just fine. We use static IP addresses for our local network with no DNS server.

 

[alphanumeric]

Press the windows key and the pause/break key. Then on the left click Advanced system settings. In the box that opens go to the Computer Name tab. Then try clicking the Change button to change your Workgroup name.

 

[ShadowMario3]

Do you have some sort of Virtual Machine installed? I have the "Unidentified Network" shown as a second connection due to me having VirtualBox installed, and that is what the Network Location is for me. Doesn't bother with sharing on a network though.

 

[geofferyh]

Press the windows key and the pause/break key. Then on the left click Advanced system settings. In the box that opens go to the Computer Name tab. Then try clicking the Change button to change your Workgroup name.

Thanks for your proposed solution, but it doesn't work. Was your offering something that has actually worked for you to solve the problem or was it just something "off the top" of your head?

This now appears to me to be something that is a flaw within Windows 7. I have never seen it in windows 95 thru XP and am not familiar enough with Vista to comment.

The fact that in "Network Properties" neither "network name" or "icon" can be changed is suspect that windows 7 has an associated bug. Also, this problem appears to have been reported before without any solution.

 

[alphanumeric]

I've never had that problem, ever. However I do know that the default Workgroup/network names Windows XP and Windows 7 will give are different and that is where you can change it in Windows 7. Is this "Unidentified Network" a wireless network connection on the Windows 7 PC? If it is you should be able to just delete it from your list of preferred networks and try creating a new network/connection. I don't have wireless on this PC or I would be more specific. If it is a Wireless network I'll fire up my laptop and have a look at the specific menus etc.

 

[geofferyh]

Windows 7 "Unidentified (Local) Network" Mystery Solved

Well, at least in my case. Further actual research and testing has led me to understand that this "Problem" is really not a problem at all.

I have USB network adapters (and not a router) that give me access to various WIFI internet services. I also have a local ethernet network between my WinXP and Win7 PC's. My local network uses static IP addresses, and no Gateway or DNS addresses. And therein lies the rub.

You see, the Windows 7 local ethernet setup wants to identify a "Gateway Address" and when it doesn't find one it defaults to "Unidentified Network". Since I don't utilize a local router providing DHCP there is no gateway associated with the local network. Therefore, Windows 7 is doing its job by letting me know I am using an "Unidentified Network".

 

[alphanumeric]

OK, so now you know why it is the way it is.