How to Change an Incorrect 169 IP Address
If your IP address starts with 169.XX.XX.XX you have an invalid IP address and won't be able to access the Internet. The usual reasons for having this IP address include: hooking a new computer up to your modem (or a different computer); reformatting your hard drive; or connecting another device to your modem or router and losing your correct IP address.
A correct IP Address usually starts with 192.168.X.XXX if you have a router. If you're connected directly from the modem to one computer, your IP address will start with two numbers before the first decimal point instead of three in a format like 24.XX.XX.XX, 72.XX.XX.XX or 68.XX.XX.XX.
By releasing and renewing your IP address, you can restore your Internet connection.
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Instructions
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Unplug your router and connect directly from your modem to your computer. Bypass the router altogether by unplugging the power and any cables going from the router to your modem and from the router to your computer.
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Navigate to the "Start" menu, select the "Control Panel" and click on "Network and Internet Connections" if you're using Windows XP. In Windows Vista, go to the "Control Panel," "Network and Internet" and "Network and Sharing Center." On the left under "Tasks," click on "Manage Network Connections." A window with the "Local Area Connection" icon will appear. Right-click on the "Local Area Connection" icon and select "Disable." In Windows 7, go to the "Control Panel," "Network and Internet," "Network and Sharing Center" and "Change Adapter Settings." Then right-click on the "Local Area Connection" and disable it.
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Unplug the power to your modem. If your modem has a backup battery, remove the battery. By disabling your Local Area Connection and unplugging your modem, you have now released your IP address. You'll now need to renew your IP address.
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If you have unplugged your modem and lights are still on, you have a battery backup. Find the battery and remove it. Otherwise, the release and renew won't work. Leave the modem powered off for 20 to 30 seconds. Then plug it back in and reinsert the battery. Allow your modem to reset, which takes at least one minute. After the lights on your modem reappear, the modem has reset. It's a good idea to wait a minute or two, even if the lights are back to normal in 20 seconds or so.
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Go back to the "Local Area Connection." Right-click and select "Enable." The word "Enabling" will appear beneath the "Local Area Connection" icon, quickly followed by "Acquiring Network Address" with Windows XP, and "Initializing" with Windows Vista or Windows 7. After this is done, your IP address has been "renewed" and the 169 IP will have been replaced with a valid IP address. You should now have access to the Internet.
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