Remove Computer from Workgroup?

[ctroyp]

Hello, I have a Windows XP machine with a workgroup setup that connects to Linux server. I noticed today that I have a new computer showing up in the workgroup called, "Casey". How could this computer have shown up and how can I remove it? I am afraid that I have been hacked somehow...

 

[linney]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...unknown+computer"+in+workgroup+xp&btnG=Search

http://groups.google.com/groups?sou...,GGLG:en&q="unknown+computer"+in+workgroup+xp

Maybe someone has changed the name of their computer in your Workgroup?

Disconnecting Your Personal Computer

http://www.csbsju.edu/itservices/students/removepc.htm

Who is "Casey" is it Computer Name or Computer Description? Where are you seeing it, on the XP machine or the Server? What does right-clicking and looking at the Properties tell you about it?

Maybe you are worrying unnecessary and this is just a Computer Name passed over from the name of Computers held on the Server?

"Duplicate Name Exists" Error Message When You Start a Windows XP Workstation

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;822659&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[smah]

Do you have a wireless segement on your LAN?

 

[ctroyp]

smah, you just clued me in to what my problem is. I temporarily removed my network key for the wireless connection. I have a neighbor that has a son named Casey...imagine that.

Thanks for helping out.

 

[smah]

That's where I was headed (even though I misspelled segment). Luckily he just happens to be using the same workgroup name. If another workgroup name was being used, it would have been a little less visible.

 

[ctroyp]

Yeah, I just changed the workgroup name and enabled a security key...thanks!

 

[smah]

Let me just take this opportunity to point out something for anyone that might read this thread in the future.

Workgroup names are a convenience for logical organization by humans. They provide no security whatsoever. Different workgroups are still part of the same LAN, they still have access to the same computers & shares (even in different workgroups). They still are using the same internet connection. All the available information and resources can be monitored & used. As wireless ranges & speed continue to increase while prices continue to decrease open wireless connections are already far more prevalent than they should be. So, my last bit of preaching for anyone that might come across this thread: Secure your wireless connection!