How Do I delete or clear redundant network profiles (names) from my desktop and laptop running Windows 7?

Anonymous

With Verizon DSL modem in bridge and Linksys WRT 160N as a router, my desktop and laptop were in a network. Laptop and printer connected via wireless and desktop by cable. The network name used to be the same for all connected devices. However, when my Linksys gave up the ghost a week ago, I reconnected via the Verizon router/modem combination Actiontec WRT704G and ever since I could not print from the laptop, and it takes about 5 minutes to print 2 pages from my desktop. The network name on my desktop defaults automatically to Network 4, and on the laptop, it has '2' after the old netwok name. With different network names, I couldn't set up my homegroup. But I do have access to the internet on both computers. The network name (SSID) on the router config site and on the printer is the same - the old network name without the '2'.

I need help or advice on how to clear or delete these other network names and just have 1 network name for all connected devices. I know that under Vista, you could merge or delete network profiles but can't seem to find a way to do it in Windows 7. By the way, my laptop is on Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit, and the desktop on Home Premiun 64 bit.

Thanks,

Pejuson

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Anonymous

To merge, delete, rename or change the icon for network locations in Windows 7....

Open the "Control Panel"
Select and open "Network and Sharing Center"

3)Click on the "Icon"(a house icon for me) under "View your active networks". This will open the "Set Network Properties" dialogue. Here you can rename a network connection or change the icon for that network connection.

4)Click on "Merge or Delete Network Locations" to see a list of stored network connections. You can merge or delete connections here as well as see if a network connection is in use and managed or unmanaged.

I found the need for this myself as I had my current internet connection being called out as "Network 4". I wanted to find out what happened to Networks 1,2 & 3. I deleted all but my active Network as this is a Desktop system with one internet connection. I renamed it From Network 4 to my ISP's name.

-Eric

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Anonymous

Hi pejuson,

To remove redundant network profiles from your computer, you may follow the steps mentioned below and check.

1. Open Manage Wireless Networks by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type wireless, and then click Manage wireless networks.

2. Right-click the network profile you want to modify, and then click Properties.

3. Make the desired changes, and then click OK.

For more information see Create or modify network profiles.

Hope this information helps you.

Regards

Yaaser - Microsoft Support Engineer

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47 additional answers

Anonymous

2011-02-27T21:53:35+00:00

Hi

It is important to know that there are few independent entries in the Network system and various names can be assigned to them.

That is not an indication that anything is wrong with the Network.

The Network name as appeared in the System Window of the OS must be the same for all computers since it is what counts to the actual Network working between the Computers (File, and Printer Sharing).

http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/net_name.jpg

The Wireless SSID (Wireless Network name) is important too, but it can be different from the Network name since technically the two are unrelated.

The SSID can be change in the Router's Wireless menu (see the Router's manual).

Some other Network’s name entries are just cosmetic and do not necessarily affects the Network working.

There is No functional importance to the Network number.

It is an Id number, and Windows advance it every time that the Network adapters are reconfigured. If it shows Network Number 9, it does mean that you have 9 active Networks. It means that the Network core was thus far reconfigured 9 times.

If a Network is called by its Network number, and it is a source of "Psychological Distress" it can be easily changed to whatever you like it to be.

Changing Network name and deleting unused Networks.

In the Network and Sharing Windows just under View active Networks.

***Clicking on the Network type (the link right to the Icon) will open the Network type selection, and you can change Network type.

Alternatively, click on the icon itself (under View Your Active Networks).

A window you can change the name and open the link (down left) to Merge and or Delete Networks.

http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/delete-net.jpg
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Anonymous

2011-02-27T21:34:21+00:00

Thanks, Eric! I just installed a new router and had the annoying "_2" appended to my network ID's. It took me way too long to find your solution--I can't believe it's buried like that with no help reference!
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