How to Remove a Computer From the Visible Network Without Disconnecting Internet Access

[clicknext]

With a network (connected via hub/switch) of WinXP/2000/98 computers, what I want to do is make it so that they can't see each other and no other computers can see them in "My Network Places" or "Network Neighbourhood", but still give them internet access through that same hub/switch. Right now, windows is automatically seeing and connecting to the other computers upon installation and bootup.

I was thinking that this could be done by uninstalling/disabling client for microsoft networks and file/printer sharing, and I tried that, but the computers all still remained in my network places, though I can't actually open them. I'm wondering whether that's because windows holds old shares in memory for a while. If so, how do I remove them? Deleting doesn't work. Seems that they should remove themselves upon detecting that the other computers aren't connected anymore, but it's not doing that yet, even with reboots.

 

[Ecliptic]

you can try assigning them to different workgroups/domains
I believe you can also hide them from being listed. I know this works for shared folders, not sure about computers.

 

[clicknext]

Originally posted by: Ecliptic
you can try assigning them to different workgroups/domains
I believe you can also hide them from being listed. I know this works for shared folders, not sure about computers.

I assigned them to different workgroups, and all that did was make whole new workgroups but still let all others see them on the network.

Do you know how I would hide them from being listed?

 

[sharq]

Use a firewall, specifically one that is not included with windows xp. Use Zone Alarm, Sygate may also be an option. Zone Alarm will block all of windows communication items for each PC, thus rendering them invisible. It'll also block ping and any port scan attempts, so making them virtually invisible to the avg user. Sygate, I believe, can also do all those things, and both are available for free for individual/home use.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Network Properties, TCP/IP Properties, Advanced, WINS, disable NETBIOS over TCP/IP, those computers will disappear.

 

[sharq]

See, I learn something new everyday.