How to Remove a Workgroup From Windows XP

Changing workgroups in Windows XP

Microsoft's claim to fame is its ease of use when running in a shared environment. This means when multiple computers are connected they can share resources, such as printers, and files. To accomplish this it is necessary for all of the computers to know how to find each other. This is done by Windows utilizing a feature called "Workgroups" where each workstation is part of a "Group." Windows computers use the workgroup feature to know particulars about other computers in the same group. You can not really remove a workgroup, but you can remove a computer from a workgroup if you move from one group to another.

Instructions

1. Find the workgroup name that the computer is on. Most often it is Mshome, or Workgroup. If your computer was already connected to a network it may have a more unique name. It is also important to know the workgroup name that it will be changed to.

2. Go to Control Panel and find the Performance and Maintenance tab. Once there look for an option called "System." Click on the "Computer Name" tab. Click on "Change" and then find the workgroup box. Remove the old workgroup. Enter the new workgroup name. Press "OK," and the system will need to reboot.

3. Allow the system to start up completely and go back to "Control Panel" and "System" to verify that the workgroup name has changed. To test the settings, double click on "Network places," then click "View workgroup computers." This will show all computers in your workgroup.

References

• Simplehelp.net: Tutorial with pictures.
• Compnetworking.net: Changing / Naming workgroups.