*****************JUST A LITTLE FYI****************
Recently the "Unknown" thing reappeared. It got me worried so I emailed microsoft support to see if they have had similar issues. This is their reply:
"I understand that the issue has reappeared and you would like to know whether it is a virus or someone hacking into the network.
Please be informed that the issue is not with any virus attack or anyone hacking into your network. This issue could be because of the Laptop is joined to a Home Group or due to the Webex document loader printer software that is installed on your Computer.
Please follow the action plans given below and update us on the status
Step: 1
Close the Home Group:
If the Computer is joined in a home group, please follow the steps to disconnect from Home group by the below steps:
1. Open Home Group by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, typing home group in the search box, and then clicking Home Group.
2. Click Leave the home group.
3. Click Leave the home group, and then click Finish.
After leaving the homegroup, please check whether the network map displays any unknown device or not.
If step 1 does not resolve the issue, then please proceed to step 2.
Step 2:
Disable Webex document loader if available:
1. Click Start search, type device and printers and press enter.
2. Check if you have Webex printer available. (if it is available, right click and choose disable)
If step 2 does not resolve the issue, then please proceed to step 3.
Step 3:
Uninstall the printer device software and deleting the listed printer.
1. Click Start search, type programs and features.
2. Choose the installed printer software and click uninstall.
3. Go to programs and features and if you find any printer listed, then right click the printer in question and select Delete
NOTE: Once it is uninstalled, please install the software with the disc provided by the printer manufacturer or with any downloaded drivers.
If the network map still displays any unknown entry in between the Laptop and the Router, then please provide us the screenshots of the below using Problem steps recorder:
1. Open Problem Steps Recorder by clicking the Start button, and then typing psr. In the list of results, click psr.
2. Click Start Record. On your computer, type device manager in start search and open device manager. Double click on the network adapters, also find any unknown devices listed. Close the device manager.
3. Open the network map and let the PSR record it too.
4. Click Stop Record.
5. In the Save As dialog box, type a name for the file, and then click Save (the file is saved with the .zip file name extension).
To view the record of the steps you recorded, open the .zip file you just saved, and then double-click the file. The document will open in your browser.
Additionally, please let me know if any printer is sharing via network and also the Operating system loaded in the desktop which you have mentioned. Also, any more information about the issue is most appreciated.
Did this resolve the issue?
Please reply to us on the status after performing these steps. Your reply is very important for us to understand if this issue has been resolved or not. If the issue remains unresolved and if any error message pops-up while performing the above steps, please reply with the specific error message (If possible) for further research and we'll respond within 24 Hours.
Note-
* In order to ensure proper delivery of your response, please verify that the Email address in "To" field and the Subject are not modified or deleted.
You asked us to make everyday tasks faster and easier, to make your PC work the way you want it to, and to make it possible to do new things. And that's exactly what we've done. Learn more about Windows 7®!
We look forward to your reply. "
My main concern was if it was someone hacking into my network or if it was a virus. After I followed the steps and uninstalled webex as well as a couple divX programs, and then rebooted my laptop. It went away.. I was surprised at how fast microsoft replied back to me. Within 24 hours..