# Computer network question
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [July 26, 2011, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358 "2011-07-26T04:20:44Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/1 "2011-07-26T04:20:44Z")
My neighbor’s computer shows up in My Network. Luckily I know them and they’re nice people. I have a password on my router/network connection, and I’ve deleted and reset the connection before, which worked once, but now their computer is back in the network list and I can’t get rid of it. Even with deleting and resetting the connection. Does anyone know how to get rid of it for good?
Thanks in advance!
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### Author:  [@Nanoda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nanoda)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/2 "2011-07-26T04:43:21Z")
Are you sure they’re not on your network, or you’re on theirs? I don’t know how that would happen otherwise.
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### Author:  [@Marconi\_N.Cheese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marconi_N.Cheese)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/3 "2011-07-26T04:58:09Z")
Block their computer’s mac address on your router.
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### Author:  [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/4 "2011-07-26T06:18:31Z")
I think she is saying she sees the neighbors’ WiFi networks in her “Available Networks” list, alongside hers.
What operating system, **CanvasShoes**?
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### Author:  [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/5 "2011-07-26T13:29:26Z")
> [@Nanoda](#):
>
> Are you sure they’re not on your network, or you’re on theirs? I don’t know how that would happen otherwise.
> [@ZipperJJ](#):
>
> I think she is saying she sees the neighbors’ WiFi networks in her “Available Networks” list, alongside hers.
>
> What operating system, **CanvasShoes**?
Given the rather sparse information in the OP, I think there are three possible scenarios:
1. Like \*\*ZipperJJ \*\*wrote, \*\*CanvasShoes \*\*might see her neighbor’s Wifi router listed as available network, but the neighbor’s computer isn’t connected to the same physical network as **CanvasShoes** ’ and doesn’t show up in her OS’s network environment. This would be normal and nothing to worry about.
2. The neighbor’s machine is actually connected to **CanvasShoes** ’s Wifi and therefore shows up in her machine’s network environment. Since her Wifi router is password protected, this would presume that the neighbors know/guessed/hacked the password. That would be bad.
3. **CanvasShoes** ’ machine could be unintentionally connected to the neighbor’s Wifi instead of her own, if the neighbor’s Wifi isn’t protected and **CanvasShoes** ’s Wifi client for some cause automatically connects to it. In this case, the neighbors should be recommended to protect their Wifi, and **CanvasShoes** ’ network connection should be set to automatically connect to her own Wifi.
So we need more information from your side, **CanvasShoes**.
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### Author:  [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/6 "2011-07-26T13:43:22Z")
move your house or cover yours in tin foil would be a solution.
your network may just be detecting their network (when it is on).
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### Author:  [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/7 "2011-07-26T19:46:08Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#):
>
> I think she is saying she sees the neighbors’ WiFi networks in her “Available Networks” list, alongside hers.
>
> What operating system, **CanvasShoes**?
Windows 7.
No, not the available wireless, but in my Network list as if they’re on my network (I’m guessing that’s the OS network **Einstein** is talking about?) Grrrr, I used to remember how to do this stuff, but if you don’t use it…
They show up in Network the same way all of our work computers show up on our work network. As if I’m a server, and they’re a computer in the network. I originally purchased and set up my router a few years ago, and then of course moved here and had to set it up again with my new ISP and all that nonsense. But I didn’t change the password to my wireless.
I don’t think they know my wireless password. But as I said, I know them, they’re nice people, but I still don’t want them potentially having access to my network. Which consists of my TiVo and TV crap, my computer and my daughter’s computer when she’s here.
And no, I’m definitely connected to my own wifi mine’s the only one of that name in the neighborhood. I can definitely see several other wireless connections, but am connected to my own.
\*\*
Johnpost\*\*, this doesn’t seem like a normal thing. My office is in a large building, presumably other companies also have networks, and none of those are detected by our work network, why would a home network be different? Unless I’ve got something set up incorrectly that is?
I also never had this happen in my previous home. Thanks for your help!
Also, how do I block a mac address? If that’s what will work that is.
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### Author:  [@cuberdon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cuberdon)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/8 "2011-07-26T20:11:20Z")
> [@CanvasShoes](#):
>
> But I didn’t change the password to my wireless.
Do you mean that the password has never been changed and is still at factory default?
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### Author:  [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/9 "2011-07-26T20:20:57Z")
> [@CanvasShoes](#):
>
> And no, I’m definitely connected to my own wifi mine’s the only one of that name in the neighborhood. I can definitely see several other wireless connections, but am connected to my own.
If you can see your neighbor’s computer in Windows “My Network”, then I have no other explanation that you and your neighbor are connected via your wifi router. But I wouldn’t call myself an expert in wifi networks, so maybe someone else knows a different reason for this.
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### Author:  [@randomface](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randomface)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/10 "2011-07-26T20:29:12Z")
What brand/model of wireless router do you have?
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### Author:  [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)
#### Post date: [July 26, 2011, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/11 "2011-07-26T21:03:49Z")
In order to see other computers in Network Neighborhood (which is what I presume is happening) they have to be on your network. Unless you are on the same internet connection (if you are in a building then this is possible) they are getting in by using your WiFi connection (or vice versa, as another poster pointed out). To prevent them from using your WiFi simply put in an encryption code for your SSID on your wireless access point. You will then have to change your connection for any wireless devices you have, but unless you give them the key they won’t be able to get into your network anymore.
You should do this asap, since at a minimum they are using your internet connection, which you are paying for. That would be the nicest thing they might be doing.
-XT
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### Author:  [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)
#### Post date: [July 27, 2011, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/12 "2011-07-27T00:22:53Z")
> [@LouiseE](#):
>
> Do you mean that the password has never been changed and is still at factory default?
No, it’s the password I set up when I first bought it. It’s a netgear. Right clicking etc doesn’t return a model number. But it’s only about 2 years old.
> [@](#):
>
> In order to see other computers in Network Neighborhood (which is what I presume is happening) they have to be on your network. Unless you are on the same internet connection (if you are in a building then this is possible) they are getting in by using your WiFi connection (or vice versa, as another poster pointed out). To prevent them from using your WiFi simply put in an encryption code for your SSID on your wireless access point. You will then have to change your connection for any wireless devices you have, but unless you give them the key they won’t be able to get into your network anymore.
>
> You should do this asap, since at a minimum they are using your internet connection, which you are paying for. That would be the nicest thing they might be doing.
>
> -XT
Thanks, I’m paranoid about changing the password, but it seems the safest thing to do at this point. I also noticed that there’s a setting in advanced settings called “network discovery”. I had it on so my daughter could connect, but since she’s rarely here since she got her own place, I’m going to turn that off and see what happens. Grrr, if I can figure out how to CHANGE the netgear password that is…
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### Author:  [@md2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md2000)
#### Post date: [July 27, 2011, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/13 "2011-07-27T00:58:10Z")
Other possibilities
- they guessed your password (your daughter’s name, ha ha?). A password should include unpredictable characters, not be in a dictionary; don’t use “snowcone”, use “snowcone66”. There’s a crack program that tries every word in the dictionary…
-you’ve forgotten that once upon a time you or your daughter was ovr there and connected their computer for some reason?
You are probably both in the default workgroup “WORKGROUP”.
Maybe their machine connects to the nearest network by default, are you _ **sure** _ your network is password protected?
See if you can browse their disks - search \ heirpc to see what’s shared, or click on it in Network. Are you sharing anything they can see? Often home network shares are not password-protected.
There is an option on the router to block mac addresses. See what theirs is on the DHCP (address lease) table in your router and add it to the blocked MAC address list.
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### Author:  [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)
#### Post date: [July 27, 2011, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/14 "2011-07-27T01:04:27Z")
There should be a security key for the wireless adapter, too. Be sure you gave it one, they will need it to connect.
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### Author:  [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)
#### Post date: [July 27, 2011, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/15 "2011-07-27T01:11:48Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#):
>
> There should be a security key for the wireless adapter, too. Be sure you gave it one, they will need it to connect.
Heh! Yes, I’m sure, and it has both caps, numbers and characters !# etc. And it’s not anything that has anything to do with my life (people, birthdays etc).
It is possible my daughter connected to the internet from their computer. I can’t seem to find the correct place to change the password though. I can access and view it, but can’t see where an option is to change it.
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### Author:  [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)
#### Post date: [July 27, 2011, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/16 "2011-07-27T01:32:00Z")
Security keys on WAPs I’ve used usually require a number rather than letters.
I do this for a living, and I really suck at doing it be email or phone. ☹
Stupid Question: You know that the security key for the WAP and the password for your PC are different things?
Like I said, I suck at doing this second person.
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### Author:  [@md2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md2000)
#### Post date: [July 27, 2011, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/17 "2011-07-27T01:42:09Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#):
>
> Security keys on WAPs I’ve used usually require a number rather than letters.
> I do this for a living, and I really suck at doing it be email or phone. ☹
>
> Stupid Question: You know that the security key for the WAP and the password for your PC are different things?
>
> Like I said, I suck at doing this second person.
WEP (older wifi security) usually needs a 26-character hex key (i.e. uses 0-9 and A-F).
Wep is easily cracked, legend has it within 10 minutes by a knowledgeable hacker with the right program. (If you live in the suburbs and know your neighbours, Ok, use WEP, but not in an apartment building…)
WPA or better yet, WPA2 are the better choice for Wifi. The password can be a regular password, although mixing in punctuation, numbers and upper case makes it harder to guess. SOme fairly old laptops (well before Windows 7 or Vista) may not do WPA/WPA2.
Also, to back up C-P’s point, yes… you do also realize the password to login to the router is NOT the same thing as the password on the Wifi connection?
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### Author:  [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)
#### Post date: [July 27, 2011, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/18 "2011-07-27T01:53:01Z")
Thanks, MD. 🙂
I’m concerned she has a pw on her PC, but not on the router or wireless access point.
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### Author:  [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)
#### Post date: [July 27, 2011, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/19 "2011-07-27T02:03:34Z")
> [@md2000](#):
>
> WEP (older wifi security) usually needs a 26-character hex key (i.e. uses 0-9 and A-F).
> Wep is easily cracked, legend has it within 10 minutes by a knowledgeable hacker with the right program. (If you live in the suburbs and know your neighbours, Ok, use WEP, but not in an apartment building…)
>
> WPA or better yet, WPA2 are the better choice for Wifi. The password can be a regular password, although mixing in punctuation, numbers and upper case makes it harder to guess. SOme fairly old laptops (well before Windows 7 or Vista) may not do WPA/WPA2.
>
> Also, to back up C-P’s point, yes… you do also realize the password to login to the router is NOT the same thing as the password on the Wifi connection?
Yes, I’ve got the router on WPA-2 Personal. As to the passwords. Yes, I know that the computer password is different from the wifi and router. But as to the difference between the router and wifi? eeesh…I do know that if you try to connect to my wifi you have to enter a password (at least the first time, or if I delete and redo the connection). And..if you go to the Network Wireless Properties/security tab for the router, ummm I seem to remember that they’re the same password. Not the SAME password, but the same PASSWORD if that makes sense :D. Bear with me, sorry as I said, I used to have a good memory for this stuff, how does one access the router security information? Is that only through the router’s IP address etc? For that matter how do I change my wifi password? I can’t seem to find any option for it in Network and Sharing.
And yes, I’ve googled to a fare thee well and I must truly suck at wording the questions because I get only useless garbage in return (500 year old Yahoo Questions etc).
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### Author:  [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)
#### Post date: [July 27, 2011, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-network-question/590358/20 "2011-07-27T02:17:44Z")
Get a DOS or CMD box.
Type IPCONFIG.
Default Gateway is the IP address of the router. Probably the same device as the wireless. Type this into the address line of IE, and you are in. There are menus to change passwords.
MD? You still here?
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