There are several reasons why you may want to change your IP address. Fortunately, this is something that the end user can usually accomplish without a lot of hassle. The exact method will vary, depending on how the system is set up. Here are basic instructions for some of the more popular systems. Try This First Before getting into the specifics with operating systems, you can try one of these two approaches.

First, detach your cable or DSL modem for a few minutes. Five minutes is usually enough to cause the IP address to reset when you reconnect the modem and turn on the power. If five minutes does not do the trick, try leaving the modem off an unplugged overnight.

This has a good chance of working in a number of cases. However, this is not a universal fix. Windows Click on Start, then Run, then enter CMD. This will provide room to enter the phrase "ipconfig/release.

" Do not include the quotation marks. After the system accepts this command, enter the phrase "ipconfig/renew." An alternative to try on windows is to shut down the computer after entering the "ipconfig/release" command. Leave the system off overnight, making sure to turn off Ethernet and cable/DSL modems. When you power up the system the following morning, the IP address should be reset. Network With Router Connect with the admin console on the router.

Follow the instructions to release the IP address. This will vary, depending on the specifications put in place by the manufacturer of the router. Power down the router, along with Ethernet and modems, and leave everything off overnight.

Once the system is pulled back up the following morning, the IP address should be reset. If All Else Fails If nothing you try changes the IP address, there is always the option of contacting your service provider and asking them to change your IP address at their end. This process can usually be accomplished in a relatively short period of time, or the service provider may be able to give you specific instructions on how to change the IP address that are unique to the provider connection.

Tom Paine writes for The Tech FAQ and is the author of articles such as Change IP, Change IP Address on Solaris, and IP Address Classes.