I've just arrived at a friend's house for a holiday.She has a working, internet accessing, network using a Vista computer.I remove the ethernet cable from her computer and connect it to my Windows7 laptop and get the "Unidentified Network" problem.My laptop works fine for internet access at home.Can anyone suggest a likely cause?Thanks,Steve

Probably your security software is blocking access to the network. What security software are you using? If it has a firewall you may have to add her network to the trusted networks. Different security software does this in different ways.Kerry Brown MS-MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

Use the network troubleshooter, that should resolve your problem http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Using-the-Network-troubleshooter-in-Windows-7 but I'd say Kerry is spot on if you have 3rd party firewall involved (aka security suites) MCSE, MCSA, MCDST [If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.]

Kerry,I've uninstalled AVG and disabled Windows firewall.Restarted the computer. Tried Troubleshooting etc.I still have the same problem!It seems that taking a "working cable" from one computer and connecting it to another (with a newer OS) should be the easiest of things...Any other suggestions?Steve

Is the computer connected directly to the modem or there a router connected between the modem and the computer? If it's connected directly to the modem you may have to power cycle the modem. I would re-enable the Windows firewall before connecting to the Internet then re-install an AV program as the first thing once you do get connected.Kerry Brown MS-MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

kerry,I'm not too familiar with the hardware (I'm from the UK, and the hardware is in the USA).The item (Router? Modem?) is called ARRIS TM402P/110. It is part of a Brighthouse system. I think it may be a cable system.I have removed the power lead and restarted it several times without change. Each time I restart it it works perfectly with the Vista PC and gives the "Unidentified Network" with the Windows 7 laptop.After (unsuccessfully) trying the laptop, I can reinstall the ethernet cable in the PC and connection to the internet is restored instantly. It seem very robust - just not compatible with my laptop as currently set up.Steve

It sounds like you'll have to contact the ISP for technical support. Some ISPs only allow one computer to be connected unless you use a router.Kerry Brown MS-MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

Kerry,I had to change the MAC of my laptop to match that f th existing PC.Problem solved!Thanks for your help.Steve

Thanks for letting us know the fix. Glad you got it working.Kerry Brown MS-MVP - Windows Desktop Experience