How to Correct an IP Address Conflict

Although an IP address conflict can prevent you from accessing network resources such as the Internet, it is not a permanent problem. An IP address is a unique number that identifies a device on a network. An IP address conflict occurs when two computers have both been assigned the same IP address. If two computers have the same IP address, one or both computers will not be able to access the network. Fortunately, you can fix the IP conflict by assigning a new IP address to one of the computers.

Instructions

1. Click "Start" and then type "cmd" into the search field.

2. Click "cmd" from the search results list. The command prompt window opens.

3. Type "Ipconfig/release" at the "C:" prompt and then press "Enter." The results of the IP release process is displayed under "Windows IP Configuration." The prompt re-appears at the end of the results when the process is complete.

4. Type "ipconfig/renew" at the prompt and then press "Enter." The command automatically assigns your computer a new available IP address.

References

• California State University: Release and Renew an IP Address in Windows 7
• Microsoft Windows: Command Prompt: Frequently Asked Questions