How To Renew a Computer's IP Address

In computer networking, each device connected to a network has an assigned number called an IP Address or Internet Protocol Address. This number is used so that devices, especially computers can be located and identified. There are various other network communication protocols. This system of addressing works for networks that use Internet Protocol communication. Some connectivity problems can arise from a computer having the wrong IP Address. This can happen through any number of hardware malfunctions or system configuration issues. One way to restore connectivity is to renew a computer’s IP Address. The following procedures apply to PCs with a Windows operating system.

1. Access the command prompt. Click on the Start menu and then click on the Run option. On this dialog box, type in ‘cmd’ (this stands for ‘command prompt’). Another window will open which looks like the old MS-DOS interface where you have to type in commands. Alternatively you can open this window by clicking on All Programs on the Start menu, hover over the Accessories option, and then clicking on Command Prompt.
2. Check the computer’s IP Address. On the Command Prompt window you’ll see something like this: ‘C:\Documents and Settings\ (computer name)>’ followed by a blinking cursor. Your computer’s name is what you assigned it when you installed Windows. Type ‘ipconfig/all’ on this line and then press Enter. A series of information will be displayed and among them will be your computer’s IP Address. You can then check with your Network Administrator or Internet Service Provider if the number displayed is the correct IP Address for your computer.
3. Release the current IP Address. The same command line with blinking cursor will appear after the displayed information. This time type in ‘ipconfig/release’ and press Enter. This command tells your computer to let go of the currently assigned IP Address.
4. Acquire a new IP Address. Now type in ‘ipconfig/renew’ and press the Enter key. This will tell your computer to acquire a new IP Address. After the procedure, close the Command Prompt window and check if your connectivity issue has been solved.

You can also check for other possible causes of the connectivity problem. Is your modem actually plugged in and turned on? Are all the indicator lights for Power, DSL, Internet and Ethernet green? If the DSL indicator is off, your service provider could possibly be having problems sending a signal.  If the Ethernet indicator is off, your computer’s LAN card could be disabled or malfunctioning. An enabled LAN card should show in the Network Connections folder with its status description stated as ‘connected’. Access this folder by clicking on the Start menu, hover over ‘Connect to’, and then choose ‘Show all connections’.