How to Renew the IP Address on Vista and Windows 7

If you get a new computer or reformat a computer's hard drive, you'll need to renew the IP address to access the Internet.



In addition, if the message "Limited or No Connectivity" or "Network Cable Unplugged" appears, you'll need to renew the IP address. The latter can actually mean that a cable (Ethernet or USB) is unplugged so you should check that first. If the cable is secure, you need to release and renew your IP address, which can be done in a few steps in Windows 7 or Vista operating systems.

Instructions

1. Navigate from the "Start" menu, select the "Control Panel," "Network and Internet" and "Network and Sharing Center." In Windows Vista, on the left of your screen "Tasks" will be visible. Under Tasks, click on "Manage Network Connections." In Windows 7, click on "Change Network Adapter Settings." A Local Area Connection dialog will appear.

2. Right-click on "Local Area Connection" and select "Disable." When your LAN is disconnected, the word "Disabled" under the "Local Area Connection" icon will appear. Leave the window open and your computer on because you will soon return to this dialog.

3. Unplug your modem. If you pull the power cable out of the back of the modem and you lights are still blinking, then remove the battery. After all the lights are out, wait 30 to 60 seconds. Then plug the modem back in and reinsert the battery if necessary. Allow for at least a minute for the modem to fully reset. The modem has reset when the lights relight to their normal state.

4. Right-click on the "LAN" icon and select "Enable." The word "Enabling" will appear under the "LAN" icon, quickly followed by the word "Initializing." You can subsequently access the Internet.

References

• Computer Too Slow: How to Release and Renew an IP Address