phantom network?

[koldis1]

I got a message fromWindows Network Control: This computer has more than one active network connection, disconnect one etc

The firewall also said once: new private network detected etc, give this network a name (local network#2), determine if you trust the other pc's on this network etc

When I look in Networkcentre, I do see two networks: Network2 - Public - Broadband LAN connection (Atheros AR8121/...) and Unknown Network - Public - Broadband LAN connection (Atheros AR8121/...). This two networks have exactly the same Status/Connection/Details. In Full Survey (link above internet globe) is mentioned only: Broadband connection Network2.

The broadband connection type is PPPoE (wired - ADSL2+ modem DLink-DSL320T)

When I switch off one of above networks my internet connection is disabled also and doesn't work anymore and then must it be repaired. (disabled network: 'Unknown Network'). Both networks are needed apparently!

On the other hand there might be a security problem anyway.

P.S. To mention also: Secure DNS Configuration of firewall (= via Comodo firewall servers) switched on, it's possible to disable this also.

 

[StefanCoetzee]

I have the same problem. I suddenly have two networks with different names but apparently with the same underlying connection id. Whenever one starts/disconnects, the other one also starts/disconnects. It does not matter if I start/disconnect it manually or automatically.
I tried removing one or the other network by using "Manage Wireless Connections" (in Network and Sharing Center), but the connection simply re-appears in the list whenever I try to reconnect.
This problem just suddenly appeared from nowhere and I am unable to connect to the internet. I am using another computer to report this.
If you have resolved the issue please post your solution here, this is driving me crazy.

 

[StefanCoetzee]

It's probably a good idea to make backups of your work before testing any of these solutions.

I found a fix (of sorts) to this problem.

Do the following 3 steps:

1. Open a DOS Command window as Administrator:

Click "Start" -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Right click "Command Prompt" -> Click "Run as administrator"

2. Delete the network route "0.0.0.0":

In the command window, type: route delete 0.0.0.0

Press: Enter

3. Renew the ip (internet protocol) configuration:

In the command window, type: ipconfig /renew

Press: Enter

Note: Unfortunately (in my case), the last step above gives me an error saying it cannot reconnect to the DHCP service. However, if I disconnect the remaining connection (in Network and Sharing Center), and either reconnect manually or wait while it connects automatically, my connection gets re-established.

Al I need now is to get this done automatically at startup somehow. A batch file would have been a solution except that the last command doesn't work in my case.

I got this solution from here (for which I am eternally grateful).

Another suggestion which didn't work for me but might work for you, is here.
In my case, after carefully following these steps, both connections just popped up again like usual.

Here are two more things you can try (that didn't work for me though):

A. Uninstall and re-install your network adapter:

1. Start -> Control Panel -> System and Maintenance (or Device Manager in Classic view) -> Device Manager -> Network Adapters -> Right-click -> Uninstall

2. Reboot your computer and Vista will (should) automatically re-install your network adapter.

If this didn't solve your issue, check if you use the "Bonjour" service from Apple:

B. Stop or delay "Bonjour" service at startup, or uninstall "Bonjour":

Bonjour is a 'service discovery protocol' that is normally set to run automatically at startup and is used to connect to Apple stuff like iTunes. Sometimes it conflicts with both Vista and Windows 7 because apparently it changes network connection settings:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonjour_%28software%29 - it adds 0.0.0.0 as default gateway

www.stevens.edu/itwiki/w/index.php/Bonjour_Vista_Conflict#How_to_disable

Stop/delay Bonjour service: Start -> Control Panel -> System and Maintenance -> Administrative Tools -> Services -> Bonjour (Double Click) -> Startup Type -> set to Automatic (Delayed)

Uninstall Bonjour: Start -> Control Panel -> Uninstall a Program -> select Bonjour -> click Uninstall

Caveat: I chose to stop Bonjour, but when I rebooted my computer froze. I eventually had to reboot in Safe Mode with Cmd prompt (press F8 while rebooting) in order to restore the system state to a previous time.

It's probably a good idea to make backups of your work before testing any of these solutions.

 

[tom982]

Thank you for sharing your solution with us I'm sure others will benefit from your troubles

Tom

 

[StefanCoetzee]

Thank you!

Yes, I see so many unresolved threads on forums - I suspect sometimes people find the solution but don't bother to share it, which seems like a sad waste.

For me there is a joy in sharing what I find, because I know how much I would have enjoyed and benefitted from someone else sharing it with me.

Best,
Stefan

 

[tom982]

You're exactly right, people take advantage of the fact that when they find a solution they just keep it for themselves even when they've used others' solutions in the past.

That's what a lot of us stand for here at VF, the reward for us isn't how many medals we get under our names, it's if we've managed to help someone

Are you going to be staying at the forums?

Tom

 

[StefanCoetzee]

It's really great for me to see that there are people who get satisfaction and focus from helping other people!

The way I see it, is that it is an opportunity to maximize joy. I have a friend whose maxim is to give Customer Delight in everything he does (and not just Customer Satisfaction). He says customer delight is to go that extra step and also put "the cherry on the cake", so to speak. By giving that extra bit you and your 'customers' gain a lot of extra delight. It takes a bit more effort but the payoff is a sense of completeness and satisfaction - for everybody involved!

It just feels great to me when everyone is as happy as possible! And what's more, when you go all the way there is nothing pending, nothing outstanding which is still owed. It's a fantastic feeling, to walk around with a clear conscience!

I am not too sure how much I will contribute to VistaForums in the future, because I don't use Vista myself - I was just fixing my mom's computer for her. However she now wants me to install Windows 7. I have Windows 7 on both my laptop and desktop.

However if I find a solution to a problem in Windows 7 which also applies to Vista, then I will come and post it here as well.

Best regards,
Stefan

P.S. I don't think this issue is resolved though! I think it will only be truly resolved when Windows acknowledges the problem as being their responsibility, and via Windows Update provide a fix for this. If the problem is the 'Bonjour' service then the responsibility lies with Apple, I guess.

 

[tom982]

Indeed it does

I also use Windows 7, it's very similar to Vista so you can just about get by. Not only does it feel good to help people here, but we also learn from those who are around us - like I have from your answer! I will now be in better stead if this issue ever arises again

You're right there, well there's not a lot we can do with concern of a widescale permanent fix, we'll just have to do these small fixes for now

Tom

 

[koldis1]

Hi, I had not seen your last reaction and suggestions (procedures and steps) yet but in the meantime i tried this:
1)Made a new users map, possibly corrupted: Fix a corrupted user profile
2)Reinstalled internet with Windows: I thought there was only one network mentioned after installation with standard name 'Unknown Network' (Broadband LAN connection) but not entirely sure, this network worked good anyway.
3)Now today I found out there were again two networks namely the old 'Unknown Network' and also a new one: 'Network2'.
4)Disabled this Network2 (switched off): result was 'no connection' (no internet)
5)Under 'Survey' in the upper right corner, I clicked on Diagnosis + repair
6)Windows Network Control repaired the internet connection effectively.
7)Networkcentre now shows only one network: the standard 'Unknown Network' and this 'Network2' is gone and did not reappear until now, this looks better.
8)I disabled all 6 sharing and/or detection options also, not needed for the time being.
to add that I have removed also that Comodo firewall before this operation, it behaved(s) a bit as an agressive and interfering firewall in my case.

 

[koldis1]

xxx