Releasing and Renewing your DHCP-based IP Address

If you need to make sure your IP address is current, but you don't want to reboot your system, follow the instructions given below for your platform.

Windows 95, 98, or ME

Click Start, then Run. In the window that appears, type command

In the DOS window that opens, type winipcfg

A window will appear with network information:

First, click Release All. (Many of the numbers shown will change to a string of zeroes.)

Then click Renew All. (Your IP address and other networking numbers should reappear.)

Then click OK. Your IP address has now been renewed.

Windows 2000, NT, or XP

Click Start, then Run. In the window that appears, type cmd

In the DOS window that opens, type ipconfig

Your networking information will be printed in the same window:

First, type:

ipconfig /release

Many of the numbers shown will change to a string of zeroes. Then type:

ipconfig /renew

Your IP address and other networking numbers should be displayed on the screen. Your IP address has now been renewed.

Macintosh 8.6-9.x (pre-OS X)

First, under the Apple menu, select Control Panels, then TCP/IP. The following window will appear:

Under the TCP/IP control panel's Edit menu (found at the top of the screen, not on the above window), first choose User Mode, and then click Advanced. Click OK.

Back in the TCP/IP panel (the larger picture above), click Options. The following window will appear:

Click Inactive, then OK.

Next, close the TCP/IP control panel; you will be asked whether you want to save changes. Click Yes.

Next, reopen the TCP/IP control panel, and click Yes at the prompt. Close the control panel again.

Your IP address has now been renewed.

Macintosh OS X

Note: You may need an administrative password to perform this operation.

Under the Apple menu, choose System Preferences. In the window which appears, select Network. You should see a window like the following, with the TCP-IP tab active:

Click on the Show drop-box and select Active Network Ports as shown above. You will see an interface like the one below:

First, take the check box off all active network connections and click "Apply Now." (The button will be grayed out for a few seconds while the network is being disconnected.)

Next, click the check mark back on for all active network connections, so that your display again resembles the picture above. Again, click Apply Now. (Again, the button will be grayed out while the network connection is reestablished.)

Your IP address has now been renewed.