How to Get to the Internet Protocol Properties

Using the Internet Protocol to access the web

The Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of instructions that allow your computer to send and receive data with other machines over the Internet. Your computer has a unique IP address that lets other machines know where to send data to or expect to receive data from. If you run a network you may want to change the IP address of certain computers. In order to change an IP address you first need to reach the computer's Internet Protocol properties window.

Instructions

Windows Vista

1. Open the "Start" menu and click "Network." Click the "Network and Sharing Center" icon at the top of the window.

2. Click the "Manage Network Connections" link at the left side of the window.

3. Right-click "Local Area Connection" if you use a wired Internet connection, or right-click "Wireless Connection" if you use a wireless connection. Choose "Properties."

4. Click "Continue" when a new window pops up on the screen asking for your permission to continue.

5. Scroll through the list of connections and locate "Internet Protocol." Click the entry and then select the "Properties" button.

Windows XP

1. Access the "Start" menu and click "Control Panel."

2. Click "Network Connections" if you use a wired connection, or click "Wireless Network" if you use a wireless setup.

3. Right-click the name of your network in the list of available networks. Select "Properties."

4. Navigate to the "General" tab. Scroll down through the list of connection types and locate the "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" entry.

5. Right-click the entry and select "Properties."

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using an operating system other than Windows XP or Windows Vista, you may need to choose different options to reach the Internet Protocol properties.

• In Windows Vista, you must be logged onto the computer as an administrator in order to reach the Internet Protocol properties screen.

References

• Finding IP information