Renew and Release IP

Renew and Release IP Addresses

You can use the command-line tool IPCONFIG to get network information such as your IP address and to perform other tasks for troubleshooting network issues.

However, if you prefer a graphical user interface over command lines, you can download a GUI tool that will run on Windows XP and Windows 2000. The tool that's installed is Wntipcfg.exe.

The tool identifies your IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for each of your network interfaces, including the interface for your network adapter, your dial-up networking interface, and your PPTP interface. It allows you to click a button to Release, Renew, Release all, or Renew all when configuring an IP address.

To download and install the tool:

• Open the Windows 2000 Resource Kit tool download page Wntipcfg.exe: Windows NT IPConfig Utility
• Click the download link in the box at the top right corner of the page.
• In the File Download dialog box, select Save this program to disk.
• Select a location on your computer to save the file, and then click Save.
• In Windows Explorer, go to the location where you saved the downloaded file, double-click the file to start the installation process, and then follow the instructions.

To provide quick access from the Run line, install the program to C:\Documents and setting\yourusername or the equivalent. Or, create a shortcut to the program on your start menu or desktop.

Use a Shortcut to Local Area Network Connection Information

Something new in Windows XP-instead of using the command line program and typing ipconfig to find local area network information, you can use the following shortcut:

• Click Start, point to Connect to, and then click Show All Connections.
• Right-click the connection you want information about, and then click Status.
• In the connection Properties dialog box, click the Support tab.
• For even more information, click the Advanced tab.
• To automatically enable the status monitor each time the connection is active, in the connection Properties dialog box, select the Show icon in taskbar notification area when connected check box.

Synchronize Your Computer Clock with an Internet Time Server

Does your computer have the right time? If your computer is not part of a domain, you can synchronize your computer clock with an Internet time server.

• Double-click the time on your task bar.
• Click the Internet Time tab.
• Select the time server you want to use and make sure to select the Automatically
synchronize with an Internet time server check box.
• Make sure that you have set the correct date before you attempt to synchronize your clock, because the Internet time server won't update the time if the date is wrong.
• If you have a personal or network firewall, you may have to tweak the settings to unblock time synchronization.