How to Release an IP Address in Windows XP Pro

A computer must have an IP address in order to connect to the Internet. An IP address is a set of numbers that identify a particular device, such as a personal computer. Every device connected to the Internet must have a unique IP address because data sent through the Internet uses IP addresses to establish a path from the data's source to its destination. When you change the way your computer connects to the Internet, such as by changing from a cable-based connection to a DSL-based connection, you must release your computer's current IP address before you can get a new one. You can use the ipconfig command to release an IP address in Windows XP Pro.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button, then click the "Run" icon in the Start menu. This will open a Run window.

2. Type "cmd" in the "Open" box in the Run window, then click the "OK" button. This will open a DOS-based command prompt window.

3. Type "ipconfig" in the command prompt window and then press the "Enter" key. The current IP configuration for your computer, including its IP address, will be displayed.

4. Type the following in the command prompt window, excluding the quotation marks: "ipconfig /release."

5. Press the "Enter" key to release your computer's current IP address and complete the process.

References

• Microsoft information on ipconfig in XP Professional