How to Automatically Get New IP Settings for the Network Adapter Wireless Network Connection

IP conflicts are resolved by automatically assigning new IP settings for the network adapter.

Computer networks suffer from connectivity issues from time to time. Common issues include limited connectivity, in which the computer connects to the local network but has trouble connecting to the Internet; or IP conflicts, in which or two or more systems are assigned the same IP address. These problems often are solved by making Windows automatically get new IP settings for the network adapter.

Instructions

From the System Tray

1. Locate the network adapter icon in the system tray. This is the icon with the blinking computer screens or the yellow triangle enclosing the black exclamation point when it detects a problem.

2. Right click on the network icon.

3. Choose "Repair" or "Diagnose and Repair" in later versions of Windows. Wait for the process to complete.

4. Choose the option to automatically renew the network adapter and its IP settings if a new dialogue box appears.

From the Command Prompt

1. Enter the "Start" menu from the bottom left of the computer's desktop.

2. Click on "Run" or "Command."

3. Type cmd and press "Run."

4. Type ipconfig /flushdns at the command prompt and press "Enter." Type ipconfig /release followed by the "Enter" key. Type ipconfig /renew and press "Enter" again.

5. Open a Web browser to test the Internet connection.

References

• Microsoft: Troubleshoot Network Connection Problems
• Speed Guide: Windows 7, Vista, 2008 Tweaks