Using the Windows command shell (CMD.exe) to configure networking is a more complex undertaking than using the GUI (Graphical User Interface) equivalent. Command shells are not intuitive and can be intimidating. However, the command prompt also affords access to more complex information than is found in the adapter properties dialog. Here, information can be found on IP addresses, both IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) and IPv6 types, all in one stream of information.
Opening the command shell
Step
Click the Start button, then select "Run."
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Type the following into the dialog box: "cmd.exe". Do not include the quotes.
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Click "OK."
Working with ipconfig
Step
Type the following into the command shell: "ipconfig /all" Doing this will give you a list of network adapters. Use the scroll bar to read through the adapter names. Find the adapter you want to work with.
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Step
Type in the following: ipconfig /release "adapter" Replace "adapter" with the name of the adapter you want to work with. Make sure to include the quotes around the name of the adapter.
Once you've run the release operation, the adapter will be without any network info.
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Run the following: ipconfig /renew "adapter" Again, replace "adapter" with the name of the adapter you are working with. This will tell the adapter to look for new network info.
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Run "ipconfig /all" to confirm the adapter has picked up new network info -- including a valid IP address.
