how can I tell if my computer has a dynamic vs a static ip address, and how can I change it to fix my network?

Question

I sent my laptop to a shop to have the hard drive changed. When I got it back, not only would that laptop connect to my wireless network, all of the other laptops that we use in our house would get the error "There is an IP address conflict with another system on the network." The technician told me that this is likely because she changed the IP address when she was installing the new harad drive, or transferring data... So, based on what I've read while surfing today, I think I need to change the IP address. But I also understand that I don't want to do this if my IP address is static. I really don't want to have this tech come back, as she has already balled up so many other things (laptop returned w/ key missing from keyboard, and screw missing from hard drive cover. Job supposed to take a few hours, instead took four days, and it goes on). Many thanks.

Answer 1

What these other folks said is correct.
The problem you ran into is one machine is set to a static ip address. That machine was not turned on when you turn on your laptop. So the router looked for it next available address and gave the same one out. Now when the other machine was powered up, you get a network conflict.
If all the direction these folks posted is too complicated, shut off your router, then turn all the machines one.
Then turn the router back on. It will assign your laptop a new ip address.
Its not the best fix, but if your in a jam it should work.

Answer 2

If you have dynamic IP, your ISP give you different IPs every time you connect. If you have static IP, your IP always remain the same. Both have advantages and disadvantages though. Advantages: Dynamic IP: you can't be banned, and you can trick out sites that offer for example only 3 downloads/day. You just reconnect, and you'll get new IP, therefore the IP bans will be invalidated. Static IP: you can easily buy a domain name for that, and others only need to write down your IP address once, and then they'll always find your machine. Since you can either find your machine if you have a No-IP domain (or something like that), dynamic IP is ideal for home PCs, and static IPs are suggested for servers. If you have a static IP, you can also buy a domain that can be resolved vica-versa. For example, if a server searches for your domain, when it knows your IP, it'll get the same domain. But if you have a No-IP, then if somebody resolves your No-IP domain, he'll get your IP correctly, but if somebody knows your IP, it'll never get your No-IP address from it. In that case, he either won't find anything, or he'll get the domain that your ISP assigned to your actual IP.

Answer 3

TRY ONLY one computer first.
Disable router connections.
1. start/control panel/ network connections.
select your net work and click repair.
2. Start/ All programs/ Accessories/
Communications/Network set up wizard.
enter details asked.
3. Open IE browser and type 192.168.1.1
user name admin password: password
if you know how to program. Ask your ISP for details.
4. User IP address 192.168.1. 2 to
192.168.1.256
as each computer is given dynamic IP address.
5. If your router is to be set try www.portforward.com
for full details. smc/lynsky etc.
6. Now reconnect the wireless router and try.

Answer 4

Turn off both your modem and router - unplug them.

Turn off all the computers.

Turn on your modem and router.

Restart the computers and try it.

That should get you going.