Hi Trying to establish what parameters W7 uses to decide that it is operating on a different network. We have recently changed our gateway server (same IP) and W7 decided that it is now on a different network, creating few problems with the firewall. Any input appreciated Paul

Hi Paul, take a look here: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Profiles][HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Nla\Wireless][HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList\Nla\Cache\Intranet] Replacing the gateway (New MAC address same IP) makes it think it is a new network and a new name is created for it. The firewall rules don't know that name and that causes your problems. I guess clearing the cache(s) or even some profiles will allow Windows (7) to (setup and) use the correct network profile by name again so that firewall policies get applied again. Depending how large the org is determines how to go ahead ... Hope this helps. Best regards, EricBest regards and many thanks in advance, Eric Vegter

Thank you Eric Unfortunately that confirmed my worst fears. Perhaps I should have diged a bit deeper to find that, but until now I was not involved. And yes, this is a problem for us as we are quite new to managing W7, particularly as it is on laptops in student hands, rather then in a safety of a lab, where we could solve these problems overnight. Unfortunately this denies us remote acces by automated tools, so it may be quite difficult to solve. Cheers Paul