# Changed PC's name for network, now it seems mixed up

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changed-pcs-name-for-network-now-it-seems-mixed-up/177081>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 23, 2003, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changed-pcs-name-for-network-now-it-seems-mixed-up/177081 "2003-05-23T18:52:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\
**Post date:** [May 23, 2003, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changed-pcs-name-for-network-now-it-seems-mixed-up/177081/1 "2003-05-23T18:52:44Z")

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I bought a new computer and started a new ISP account. Then I started setting up an Ethernet network using MS WinXPHome Network Wizard and think I got it talking to the hub (still working on getting a second PC). The “name” of the firstcomputer was already assigned to be a complicated string of letters and numbers.

Then I realized I was going to have to use this awkward name, and replaced it with an easier one using the Network Wizard again (which I think was just doing that process over). Again I think I have a 1-PC network, and again I can sign onto the ISP.

But sometimes I get a dialog box saying that I or a program am trying to get information from _OLD\_NAME_ (the old name). I don’t know if this means something expects there to still be a computer by this name. It asks what connection I want to use, and the only choice is my ISP. When I click on OK for that choice, the modem dials and then I am denied access. Note, I can still use the little connection utility the ISP gave me, and I can get online.

I think some part of my system did not change names when I used the simple new name through the Network Wizard, but I have explored around and don’t find any referencees to the old name.

Any ideas how to track this down??? Thanks!

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**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\
**Post date:** [May 24, 2003, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changed-pcs-name-for-network-now-it-seems-mixed-up/177081/2 "2003-05-24T01:28:47Z")

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Wait, fixed it. Had installed the Norton System Doctor before I changed the name, and now I find the problem comes and goes with NSD - so I reinstalled now that the name is changed and no more problem.