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    Unknown 'Media Devices' showing up on Win7 network

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by cathy, Jun 21, 2011.

  1. cathy

    cathy Notebook Evangelist

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    Okay umm my dad opened up the 'Network' window on Windows 7 and discovered several unknown media devices listed. He showed it to me and I went to check my router's DHCP Client's Table, but the table only showed my home desktops and my aunt's laptop and my iPhone.

    I'm kinda wondering how all these weird devices popped up under my network screen when they don't appear to be connected to my router.

    [​IMG]

    Here's a picture of my router's DHCP Client Table, all 4 computers listed are my home computers:

    [​IMG]
     
    cathy, Jun 21, 2011
    #1
  2. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    I think it's the Media Server from Windows/Windows Media Player.
     
    namaiki, Jun 21, 2011
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  3. cathy

    cathy Notebook Evangelist

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    Care to explain more, please? Thanks. :)
     
    cathy, Jun 21, 2011
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  4. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    Try check:
    Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Network and Sharing Center\Advanced sharing settings\Media Streaming
     
    namaiki, Jun 21, 2011
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  5. cathy

    cathy Notebook Evangelist

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    Well what I'm really wondering is why are these unknown devices showing up on my network when my Wireless is secured and there doesn't seem to be any additional devices listed on my router?
     
    cathy, Jun 21, 2011
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  6. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    Have there been computers with these names connected to the router?

    If I am correct, the media servers is just a service coming from those computers.
     
    namaiki, Jun 21, 2011
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  7. cathy

    cathy Notebook Evangelist

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    Nope, none of the computers in my household have those names, and no non-family members have been given the password to connect to it.

    I have never seen those computer names before.

    I have never noticed any unknown computers showing up on my router's DHCP client's list either.
     
    cathy, Jun 22, 2011
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  8. pengy_666

    pengy_666 Notebook Evangelist

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    turn DHCP off and assign everyone static ip address and then block anyone outside those IP's

    Also step up your security/encryption type. Change the password and the channel it broadcasts on.

    Sounds like you have a neighbour piggy backing your wifi connection.

    I would consider informing your isp too, In case they have been abusing your connection.

    Sounds extreme but if you are concerned you need to step up your security measures. Prevent them from connecting again.
     
    pengy_666, Jun 22, 2011
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