How to Add an Alternate IP Address In Windows XP

On occasion you will find that you want to have a static IP address set for one or more of your network adapters in Windows XP. Perhaps you work on a network that assigns IP addresses for you but your home network requires a static IP address or vice versa.
Whatever the case may be - Windows XP does support assigning and alternate IP address to each network adapter on your computer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A static IP address
• The Subnet Mask for the network
• The default gateway for the network
• DNS servers for the network.

1. Navigate to the control panel through the start menu either at: Start --> Control Panel or Start --> Settings --> Control Panel.

2. Navigate to Network and Internet Connections --> Network Connections or just Network Connections if you are in classic view.

3. 
    
   Adapter Properties.

   Right click on the adapter you wish to add the address for. Scroll down to the item that says Internet Protocol TCP/IP. Click on this item and click the Properties button.

4. 
    
   Alternate Configuration.

   Click on the Alternate Configuration tab and fill in the information for IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway and DNS server(s) with information that corresponds to your network. Be sure to use an IP address that is available. The image below is an example of a network operating on a typical home network.

5. Click Ok until you are back out to they main screen - you should now have an alternate IP address assigned.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not know your private DNS server you can use: 4.2.2.2 as a DNS server. This is an open public DNS server.
• The alternate IP address will only take effect if you can not obtain one automatically from the network.
• If you have an IP address conflict (2 adapters on the network with the same IP address) there will be problems with connectivity.

[anjamerret]

on 8/2/2009 Good one.

[soanyway]

on 8/1/2009 I have no idea what you are talking about but with these great instructions I know I could do it! LOL