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Windows XP and Networking - Solve Wireless Networking Problems by Obtaining the DNS and IP Addresses

SUMMARY: Trouble connecting to the Internet at different locations? Your computer may be configured with a static IP address.

Are you able to connect your Windows XP computer to the Internet at one location but no other, such as a home network or your local coffee shop or deli via wi-fi hotspots? One culprit may be that your computer is configured with a static IP address (an identification number for your computer on the Internet).

Many locations including hotspots assign this number dynamically, so the following change will let your computer obtain this information from the network:

Following this information incorrectly may prevent you from accessing your main network or any network! Record all current configuration settings to help revert changes if problems occur. Also, depending on your network card and whether or not Windows XP manages your networks, these steps may need to be modified to fit your configuration software.

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1. Right-click the network connection icon in the Windows XP Taskbar and choose "Open Network Connections". If this icon is not available, re-enable this icon.

2. Repeat the following steps for each Internet connection type that you use to connect to foreign networks:

1. Right-click the network connection's icon and choose "Properties" from the popup menu that appears.

2. Underneath "This connection uses the following items", click on "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" and then the "Properties" button.

Accessing TCP/IP properties

3. The "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties" dialog box appears. Record the listed information as you may need it to reconnect to your primary network. Then, click the following radio buttons:

* "Obtain an IP address automatically"
* "Obtain DNS server address automatically"

Configuring Windows XP for automatic IP and DNS obtainment

4. Click "OK" on the dialog boxes to close them.

If after making this change you cannot access your primary network, repeat the above steps but click the following radio buttons:

* "Use the following IP address"
* "Use the following DNS server addresses"

Enter the information recorded earlier and then click "OK" on the dialog boxes to close them.

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