How to Find the IP Address with IPconfig in All Vistas

Computers have unique IP addresses on a network, ensuring connections and data are sent to the correct computer.

IP addresses identify computers on a network. If you're connected to the Internet through a local area network, your computer's IP address is a local IP. If you're connected directly to the Internet, your computer's IP address is an Internet address. All versions of Windows Vista include the "ipconfig" command, which lists information about the computer's installed network adapters, including their IP addresses. Find the IP address by running the "ipconfig" command in an administrator-mode command prompt window.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button.

2. Type "command" into the search box in the Start menu.

3. Right-click the "Command Prompt" program that appears in the Start menu and click "Run as Administrator."

4. Click "Continue" to the "Windows Needs Your Permission to Continue" prompt.

5. Type "ipconfig" in the "Command Prompt" window and press "Enter."

6. Read your IP address to the right of "IP Address" under "Ethernet adapter" in the "Command Prompt" window.

Tips & Warnings

• IP addresses starting with "192.168," "10" or "172.16" are local IP addresses on a local area network and not exposed directly to the Internet.

• IP addresses starting with "169.254" indicate your network connection isn't properly configured.

References

• NC State University: IPConfig in Windows Vista
• Microsoft Support: The Syntax and Options for Using the Ipconfig Diagnostic Utility for Network Connections