How to Renew a Computer's IP Address

It happens to all of us. You're browsing the internet and suddenly you get the "Page Not Found" error. You check your modem and everything seems to be working and now you decide to call customer service--what a hassle. Often, the problem is that you need to renew your computer's Internet Protocol (IP) address. These steps explain how to renew your IP address and hopefully save you a call to customer service.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Click on the "Start" button and choose "Run."

2. Type "cmd" in the box and click on "OK." A window with a command prompt appears. It resembles the old DOS operating system.

3. Type "ipconfig /release" and press "Enter." This releases your computers current IP addresses.

4. Type "ipconfig /renew" and press "Enter." This assigns your computer a new set of IP addresses.

5. Type "Exit" and press "Enter" to close the window. You computer now has a new IP address.

Tips & Warnings

• If the above steps don't resolve your connectivity issue, try unplugging your modem and/or router for a few seconds and then repeat the process.
• The command "ipconfig" reveals the IP address assigned to your computer. If you have more than one connection to your computer (i.e. having both a wireless and LAN network card) the command "ipconfig /all" reveals all your assigned IP addresses.

[rkremer]

on 10/18/2009 Great instructions! Thanks.