How to Change My Dynamic IP

Changing your IP address gives you anonymity and privacy as you browse the Web. When you visit a website, your information is recorded into the website's database, leaving you open to spam emails and identity theft. Exposing your real IP address gives cyber-criminals the opportunity to hack into your computer, stealing your identity, including bank account and credit card information. If you are concerned about Internet privacy and want to protect yourself while online, then it makes sense to change your IP address occasionally. It's really quick and easy to do.

Instructions

Phase 1

1. Determine whether you have a "dynamic" or "static" IP address. (See Resources.) If you have a dynamic IP address, your address will change each time you log on to the Internet; static IP addresses remain the same. You will have to contact your Internet provider to change a "static" IP address.

2. Click "Start" in Windows.

3. Click "Run." A new box will open.

4. Type ''command'' in the address box and click "OK," or press "Enter." The MSDOS prompt screen will appear.

5. Type ''ipconfig /release'' and then press ''Enter."

6. Type ''exit'' and press "Enter." This will close out the MSDOS prompt screen.

Phase 2

1. Right-click ''my network places'' on your desktop. This will open the ''Local Area Connection'' screen.

2. Right-click ''Local Area Connection'' and click ''Properties."

3. Click the "General" tab and then double-click "Internet protocol (TCP/IP)."

4. Click "Use the following IP address."

5. Create a new IP address by typing in a total of 32 numbers. The numbers may be randomly selected.

6. Press ''Tab'' and the ''subnet mask'' section will automatically be filled with default numbers.

7. Press the ''OK'' button to close the screen. Press ''OK'' again. This will bring you back to the ''Local Area Connection" screen.

Phase 3

1. Right-click ''Local Area Connection'' and return to the properties screen.

2. Click the ''TCP/IP'' settings.

3. Select ''Obtain an IP address automatically."

4. Click "OK" twice. You should now have a new IP address.

References

• What Is My IP: How To Change Your IP Address
• Computer Hope: How do I change my IP address?
• IP Address Location: How to Change IP Address

Resources

• Change IP Address: How to Change Your IP Address
• Chami: Find out your computer's IP address