How to Release and Renew an IP Address in Windows 95/98/ME - Networking Computer Tips

IP addresses are used on networks and on the Internet to allow computers to communicate with each other. If you don't have an IP address on a TCP/IP based network then you won't be able to talk to other computers or other networked devices.

There may come a time when you are setting up your network that you may need to release and renew your IP address in order to obtain a new one from your DHCP enabled device. For example if you just installed a DSL/Cable router and use DHCP from the router to get an IP Address you may need to release the IP address from your internet provider to obtain a new one from your router.

To perform this process for WIndows 95/98/ME do the following:

1. Click on Start.

2. Then click Run.

3. Type winipcfg in the box and click Ok. A window will then appear on the screen. The IP Address field shows the current IP address for the default network adapter.

4. If the computer is holding a current IP address, click the Release button to have it let go of this address.

5. Then click the Renew button to obtain a new IP address.

Note:
For Windows 2000 and higher all you need to do is open a command prompt and type in ipconfig /release <enter> and then ipconfig /renew <enter>.

Related Computer Tips:
The Difference Between Static and Dynamic IP Addresses
How to Find Your IP Address
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Windows 95/98/ME cannot access Windows XP/2000 shares
The Difference Between Static and Dynamic IP Addresses

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