How to Renew an IP Config

IP Config uses DHCP to receive addressing information from the network.

Most computers that participate on an Internet Protocol (IP) network are designed to receive their address configuration information automatically through the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). With a DHCP server in place on the network, when a new computer is physically connected to the rest of the network, it sends out a DHCP request, which is then acknowledged by a DHCP server. Sometimes, the IP address configuration information becomes stale or out-of-date, and must be renewed with the IP Config utility.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button in the lower-left corner.

2. Click the "Run" option.

3. Type "cmd" and press the "Enter" key.

4. Type "ipconfig /release" and press "Enter." This unbinds the IP configuration information from the computer and releases it from the network.

5. Type "ipconfig /renew" and press "Enter." This restarts the DHCP request process and asks the network for the most current IP addressing information.

6. Type "exit" to close the command prompt window.

Tips & Warnings

• If the computer you are working on no longer has Internet connectivity, this is an important first step to try to remedy the situation.