Setting up a computer which was previously part of a network.

[sweeneysmsm]

I have been asked to help someone setup a computer (Windows XP Pro) for home
and internet use. This is a computer which has been discarded but which was
previously part of a network in an office. My memory tells me that in trying
to do this earlier for someone, the computer is always looking around for its
“network pals†and one gets interminable error messages. What can I do to
prevent this from happening? Does it mean that the computer needs to be
reattached to its home network and properly disconnected from it first?

I am a network newbie but did set up my Verizon FIOS.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

Mary

 

[Jack [MVP-Networking]]

Hi
You have to set the computer to be on a Group Network.
Use the Change Button as seen here,
http://www.ezlan.net/network/met-name.jpg
Jack (MS, MVP-Networking)

 

[Jack [MVP-Networking]]

Hi
Sorry had a typo in the link above it should be
http://www.ezlan.net/network/net-name.jpg
Jack (MS, MVP-Networking)

 

[sweeneysmsm]

I'm sorry. I guess I was not sufficiently clear.

This computer is no longer going to be on a network. It was previously on a
network. My guess is that it was only physically disconnected from its former
network and given to my friend to use in her home. I'm going to transport
this device from where it was to its new place. I want to know if I should do
that, or if I should take it back, reconnect it to its network and then go
through whatever software disconnect process I need to so that it says
"goodby" properly or if there is something I can do when I get it to the new
place to prevent it from looking for its former network. In its new
environment it will not be part of a network, just a standalone.

 

[Jack [MVP-Networking]]

Hi
If your friend is going to use Broadband Internet Connection (DSL or Cable
Internet), then it has to be configured for a workgroup (even if it is
single computer) since the Network interface is used for the Internet
connection. The Internet is a Network .
Jack (MS, MVP-Networking)

 

[sweeneysmsm]

Hi, Jack.

Yes, I see exactly what you are saying and it is taking me back to a bit
more detail. The computer that my friend had in her home previously had
dial-up and for various excellent reasons we terminated the service so
initially there will be no Internet service, therefore no network. So, can we
focus again on what I need to do to prevent that computer from looking for
the network it formerly had. I just want to clear the decks and prevent them
from having to work through a maze of error messages.

Any insight appreciated.

Mary

 

[Lem]

Hi, Jack.

Yes, I see exactly what you are saying and it is taking me back to a bit
more detail. The computer that my friend had in her home previously had
dial-up and for various excellent reasons we terminated the service so
initially there will be no Internet service, therefore no network. So, can we
focus again on what I need to do to prevent that computer from looking for
the network it formerly had. I just want to clear the decks and prevent them
from having to work through a maze of error messages.

Any insight appreciated.

Mary

The advice Jack gave you was how to change a Windows computer from being
a Domain member (typical office network) to being a Workgroup member
(typical home network). Depending on what sort of "lockdown" was
imposed by the former office IT department (by, e.g., use of Group
Policies), you may be better off reinstalling Windows.

--
Lem -- MS-MVP

To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm

 

[Kevin]

Mary,
Some places you may want to check are in the Control Panel.
First, is Internet Options, on the Connections tab, I would remove any item
in the Dial-up and Virtual Network settings box. Also click on the LAN
settings button and make sure everything there is unchecked.
Close Internet Options.
Back to the Control Panel, open Network Connections, if there is a network
connection listed there, right click it and choose Properties from the
context menu. From the list in the resulting Properties form, highlight
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click the Properties button. Make sure the
radio buttons for Obtain an IP address and Obtain DNS server address
automatically are selected.
Do the same for any other Network Connections listed.
Let us know how you make out. OK?
-Kevin

 

[sweeneysmsm]

Thank you so much. Tentative plans are to try to do the new setup on
Thursday, so yes, I will let you know how it all goes if those plans stay in
place. Thanks for all your help.

Mary

 

[Heather]

Hello Mary,

I am not really answering your question....rather just confirming your
possible problem? I am having similar trouble. I thought I was going to be
smart and set up my three computers to network and I have only succeeded in
creating a monster. I have tried to restore everything but does not seem to
let me. I am not sure how to undo what I did. I have gone into
Tools/Connections/Etc./Etc. and am at a loss. If that were not bad enough, I
can no longer access Internet Exployer (or MSN for that matter) on two of the
computers. I am not quite sure why this laptop is working. I compared the
Tools/Etc. and all of that and I just don't see where the trouble lies. My
wireless connections are pretty good but obviously I have done some bad
things....Anyway, just letting you know you are not alone and not the only
newbie to this networking thing.
If anyone knows anything about wireless networking and undoing it, please
let me know. I would very much appreciate it.
--
Thank you!

Sincerely,

Heather