Solved Computer name in devices and printers

jpk717

New Member
Messages
10
I have a Dell Inspiron laptop that I had to restore to the factory Dell settings recently. After formatting the hard drive and re-installing windows 8 I noticed that the computer name in the devices and printers panel was Dell, Inc. instead of the computer name that I put in when re-installing windows. Is there a way to change the computer name in the devices and printers panel so that it matches the computer name in the system panel? I can change the computer name by going into the system panel but that doesn't change the name in the devices and printer panel.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Wiindows 7 Pro 32-bit
Hello jpk717,

Just to let you know that I have also tried to find a way to do what you are asking and I have come to the conclusion that it can't be done safely. I have searched the registry and the OS hard drive and was unable to come up with anything specific to that view. However, I was able to change the computer name and description "everywhere else" but there. With that said, my advice is to leave it alone because I have a funny feeling that information is/was embedded in a DLL during the installation process and cannot easily be changed; however, I have been wrong before so here's another chance for someone to prove me wrong again and earn a rep from me in doing so. Good luck.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Preview
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Thanks JustATest. The only thing that confuses me is that this issue only appeared AFTER I had to reinstall everything. Prior to that (which was straight from the factory) the laptop made the changes fine. In fact, I have two other machines that are exactly the same as this one and the computer name is the same in both places. Could this be that the re-installation automatically embedded that name? I guess I don't understand why it would be any different from the way it came from the factory if it was a factory reset.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Wiindows 7 Pro 32-bit
Unfortunately, I can't answer you questions but I somewhat agree with your logic; however, the only thing I can reiterate is that I can't find a way to change that specific information. Maybe the Dell forums or support could answer that for you. Anyway, good luck.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Preview
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
It's right click on My Computer, choose Properties, and go to Advanced system properties, the first sheet is "Computer Name" you can set it there, if that's what you are trying to do. When you did the system restore, it sets the name back to Dell-pc or something. I always use the same names for my systems. You can change the Printer name in the Sharing tap in the Printer Preferences/Properties, right click on the Printer, and it's not the one on the bottom, it's in the middle of the selections, Under "Printer Preferences" - When you share it, it will name it for what it is, you can pare that down to something simpler.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
The computer name has been changed in the system properties and is set to the name that I want it to be. When I go to Devices and Printers it shows the computer name to be set to Dell, Inc. That's what is confusing me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Wiindows 7 Pro 32-bit
That's because the system NAME is still set to "Dell" - Do it from HERE, then it will be what you set it as.

name.png

IN this tab:

name2.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Here is a photo of what I am talking about. I did change it from the system properties and it didn't change it in the devices and printers.

Devices.png


The periods in NewLife.local are assigned from our local server. I didn't add them into the computer name. I have tried to change the name logged in to the WORKGROUP and to our local server and it didn't change anything in the devices and printers name as shown in the picture. I changed it to Chicken and restarted and still no change. It doesn't make any sense as I have two other laptops that are the exact same. The only difference is that I had to do the system restore from the Dell partition on this hard drive. It's probably no big deal, just me being picky and really wanting to know why it isn't changing like it should.

Jon
 
Last edited by a moderator:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Wiindows 7 Pro 32-bit
It looks like the name in Devices is superseding the name given in Advanced Properties. It may be because the name is being shunted from a network server.

Open Regedit, and search for "Dell, Inc" - See if you can locate a registry entry for computer name. You may have to sift through any Programs installed by Dell. You used to be able to change this value using Regedit in Windows XP, but it has been a long time and I can't remember where it is.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Check ComputerName in the subkeys of
Code:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\ComputerName
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv7t (17.3'', i7-2630QM, HD 6770M 1Gb, 8Gb RAM, 2 SSD@120Gb + 1 HDD@750Gb)
There it is!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
So far, I have tried searching the registry for Dell Inc. and can only find that name in BIOS file settings or in program installation files (like for Dell recovery and backup). I didn't see anything with computer name in it. I also looked in the registry subkeys and the computer name is set to the current name in all the registry files. Here is a picture of the properties for the device

Device Properties.png

Not sure where else to look. Could it be a BIOS setting?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Wiindows 7 Pro 32-bit
Yah it could be pulling the name from the BIOS. Yep, It's like when I plug in my iPhone it always says it's an iPhone, so maybe this system of yours has an identifier hard coded into the BIOS.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
I did read post #9. It is possible that it is hard-coded but that doesn't explain the changes to the other laptops with the exact same specs or any other computers that I have ever worked on. I will get a picture of one of the other machines tomorrow as they are work laptops and not my personal ones so that you can see how they changed compared to this one.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Wiindows 7 Pro 32-bit
They all run from the same server the affected machine is on? Ok, post em when ya can
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Ok, so I was able to do a few other tests on another computer that is the same make and model as the one that I am having problems with. I have always been able to change the computer name with this other computer, but when I tried changing it today it wouldn't acknowledge any changes. It was behaving the same way as the Dell laptop that is pictured above.

1. Original configuration


Devices-PC.png


2. Tried to change the name to Dell with no success


DevicesNameChange.png.png


3. Disconnected from the domain and rejoined the WORKGROUP. I then added a new user called Admin and tried to change the computer name to TEST with no success


NewUserTest.png


Again, this computer had always allowed me to change the name as is evident with the name in the devices and printers window. The name of this laptop is already what I want it to be, but it is behaving the EXACT same way as the other one that I want to change from Dell Inc. to NLC-LPLT. Everything I have done to this point is from and administrative account.


 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Wiindows 7 Pro 32-bit
I think when you joined the DOMAIN, it assigned the name in such a way it cannot be set back to the way it was originally. I don't know why it would do this, but now we see, anything on that domain gets assigned a name according to what it is. What if it's an HP machine, does it come up HP, Inc?

You MAY have to connect those computers into a network that is not at all related to what you're using.

Oh yah, I forgot to ask - Are you using asn MS account for these and if so, is it the SAME MS Account? It may be your MS account populating those systems with the names from the first computer you had installed Windows 8 on. Go INto PC settings and check to see if you have "Sync Your Settings" turned on. Try unsyncing the puters.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
I don't think the domain is the issue here because I can change the names on the other computers in the office just fine. They are running Windows 7 Pro Service Pack 1. Plus, it has been like this before I even joined it to the domain. I am using a local account for all these machines. In the Dell forum, I had one responder say he had the same thing happen when he tried to change his computer name. He seems to think it is a Windows 8 issue. I have posted in the Microsoft forum and will see what they say.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Wiindows 7 Pro 32-bit
Ok, yah, I've never had any issues with computer names in Windows 7 all the way down to 2000. I'm not having any now, but I've never changed the name after I set it.

I set the name during the original Windows 8 Install, where it asked me. I've never tried to change it. Perhaps, there is an issue in 8 which will accept a change but not propagate it through the network. That's kidn of what your "Devices" panel is, because it shows all network-connected devices and names.

How about this - Can the "Device" be disconnected from within "Devices and Printers"? I would do that for all instances on the network where it shows up as "Dell-Pc"

Hold On I found something., Ok check this out:

devs.png

When I right-kliked on MY computer, it shows this:

dev2.png

Notice where it says "To Be Filled IN by OEM"? THAT is what is happening, it's reading it from the computer. So that name will supercede what you set.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
I never had issues with Windows 7. Really didn't have issues with Windows 8 until recently. I did enter the name I wanted for the computer when I installed Windows 8 again, but the devices has always listed this computer with the Dell Inc. name in the devices. Here is a picture of another computer that is set with the proper name in both locations.

PC-properties.png

This seems to be the same as the computer that is giving me problems with one exception, the name at the top next to the icon.

Device Properties.png

As for post #18, I was able to get the other computer to change names successfully in the system properties and the devices by going to devices and printers and hitting F5 to refresh the screen. I will try the same thing on the other computer once I can get my hands on it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Wiindows 7 Pro 32-bit
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