How to Change IP Address in Windows Vista

The term "IP Address" stands for Internet Protocol Address. It is your computer's identification and allows you to connect with and identify other computers with IP addresses over a network. But sometimes the IP address needs to be changed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet connection with IP address
• Windows Vista operating system

Change your TCP and IP Settings on Windows Vista

1. Go to the Control Panel from the Start menu.

2. Click "Network and Internet" and then "Network and Sharing Center."

3. Click "Manage network connections."

4. Choose which Internet connection you would like to change if you have more than one. Right click on it and select "Properties."

5. Click the "Networking" tab.

6. Choose either Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).

7. Click "Obtain an IP Address Automatically" to reset your IP address automatically, then click OK.

8. Click "Use the following IP Address" to enter your own IP settings.

9. Enter your IP address into the boxes marked "IP Address," "Subnet Mask" (or "Subnet prefix length for IP/TCPv6) and "Default gateway."

Change your DNS Server Settings

10. Click "Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically" and then click "OK."

11. Click "Use the following DNS Server addresses" to change your DNS Server settings manually.

12. Type your primary DNS Server address into the box that says "Preferred DNS Server."

13. Type your secondary DNS Server address into the box that says "Alternate DNS Server."

Add a New Network Protocol

14. Click "Properties" and then "Install" from "Manage network connections."

15. Click "Client," "Service" or "Protocol," depending on which you wish to add. Then click "Add."

16. Select the item you want to add from the dialogue box and click OK.

Tips & Warnings

• Internet Protocol Version 4 uses 32 bit IP addresses, allowing for a total of roughly 4 billion possible IP addresses available for use. As more and more IP addresses are used, however, they will eventually run out. Internet Protocol Version 6 uses a 128 bit IP address, which creates considerably more IP addresses.
• TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol. It is also used in identifying and communicating with different computers over a network.
• DNS Server stands for "Domain Name System Server". It is another system of identification and communication. It takes domain names and translates them into IP Addresses to connect them to a network.

Resources

• Internet help and troubleshooting for Windows Vista, from Microsoft.com

[debinflorida]

on 9/15/2009 Too complicated! I just turned my modem off for 5 minutes, and turned it back on.