Windows 7: Unidentified network - what to do?

An unidentified network under Windows 7 says little about the actual error. In this practical tip, we will show you what you can do about it.

Unidentified network in Windows 7 - what does that mean?

An unidentified network can mean there is a conflict with your computer's IP address.

The router assigns a unique IP address to all devices that are connected.
If there is an incorrect configuration on the PC, this assigned IP address cannot be accepted, which causes this error.
A simple restart of the router is often sufficient for troubleshooting. If this does not help, you should disconnect the router from the power for approx. 10 seconds.
In the next paragraph we will explain what you can do if this tip does not help.

The following tips should help you fix the network problems.

Open the administration interface of the router by entering "192.168.0.1" in the address bar of your browser. This is the standard IP address of the common routers. If this does not give you access to your router, another practical tip will tell you how to find out the IP address of your router.
Log in with your data or the standard login data of the device.
Make sure that the "DHCP" setting is activated. Since the different routers are structured differently, you will find further information in the manual of your router where you can make this setting.
If this does not help, switch to the current status of the router. There you should be able to see all IP addresses.
Open the "Control Panel" on your PC and then the "Network & Sharing Center".
Search for the corresponding connection here and select "Properties".
Enter the address that you can read in the administrator interface of the router under "Following IP address". We will also show you in another practical tip how you can change the IP address of your computer.
Then restart the PC for the changes to take effect.

In the next practical tip, find out what you can do if your laptop cannot find a WiFi network.