It seems like someone has set up a VPN (virtual private network) with you.

"172.16.172.110 is an IP address reserved for non-routed networks. That means it may be used on any number of private networks and doesn't connect to the internet at large (except, maybe, via application level gateways or NATs). See RFC 1918 Address Allocation for Private Internets."

What is remaining of your network configuration? Do you still have the network card? Do you still have a router or similar? What is connected to what? Was any of it second hand?

Now type IPCONFIG and again note down the IP addresses.

Also type TRACERT PETERHARRIS and copy the results here. You can highlight using the mouse, but don't right click, instead press Return and then paste here as normal.

I set up a basic PCWorld network kit. 5 port switch with cards for the two machines. everything was new. Everything is still connected through this machine but the other machine is off. This m/c was set up as the master connection.

the info from ipconfig

Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 172.16.172.114
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 172.16.172.1

C:\Documents and Settings\Rob.ROBOFFICE1>TRACERT PETERHARRIS

Tracing route to PETERHARRIS [172.16.172.110]
over a maximum of 30 hops:

1 21 ms 23 ms 13 ms PETERHARRIS [172.16.172.110]

Trace complete.

No problem Robb

Thanks

Ian

lol

Well, you omitted to say that you had bought a wireless network. You are networking with someone else in the neighbourhood who has bought similar equipment which is receiving your signals and assuming you are meant to be part of the network. You could print a document to his printer asking him to give you a ring, and after that just disconnect the broadcasting part of the adapter or remove the network card from the computer. If you ever turn it on again, read the section in the manual about security :-)

Kayak

I don't have a wireless network. Its a basic kit from PCWorld with wires to plug in???

Not sure I understand.

I think you do have one... "Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection"!!

I think you will find either that you have a card in your computer that you didn't know about, or that the network card you know about connects to a box which is actually a wireless device as well as having wired connections.

From the information you copied above, the connection is definitely being formed on a local network and not via your internet connection, so you are not being hacked as such. In any case a hacker would not expose his filing system and printer to you as that would give him away a teensy bit!

Robb, what make and model is your hub/switch/router?

BTW before disconnecting anything, type TRACERT 172.16.172.1 in your DOS box and copy the machine name that comes out. That is the master machine in the network. You and PETERHARRIS are both members of that network.

I had wireless broadband installed last week. It works via a kind of small tv aerial and the system was set up by an enterprising local computer shop(who are reputable) for the surrounding local villages that won't get BT broadband for years. There are definitely one or two on my small estate that have sprouted similar aerials in the last week or two. Could it be that?

It could be :-)

It doesn't identify the machine by anything other than the IP address number.

I would get onto the guy who set it up for you and get him to sort out your security settings.

Neil

The shop appears to have set up a local network without setting the security in the machines on the network, or at least not in PETERHARRIS's. What Windows do you use, and I can talk you through checking your own security.

Kayak

I am very grateful for the time you have spent helping me with this problem. You do this so often for so many people and it is not the first time you have helped me sort something out. It is much appreciated.

Regards
Rob

Robber - thanks for your suggestions. Looks like I need to make a phone call to my supplier!!

Kayak - I'm on XP Home. Would it be okay to email me your phone number so I can give you a quick ring? Or we can continue here if you would prefer.

OK, have done.

Kayak

Just spoken to the shop. The "relay stations" that I mentioned include the boss who recently moved out of town and had this wireless broadband fitted. Looks like all the stuff I can see is his and his son's computers. Oooops! I bet it gets sorted double quick :-)

Regards
Rob

lol, I bet it will :-)

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