Persons have different reasons for wanting to change IP address or their Internet Protocol address.  This address is basically a unique number used to identify a computer and the computer’s connection to the internet.  In addition, the number is normally assigned by the administrators of the network based on various rules and regulation.

Different operating systems will require different steps to change the IP address, follow the steps below using the one which pertains to your operating system. If your operating system is older than XP or older follow the instructions for XP, if however the version is newer, follow the instructions for Vista:

1. Determine your current IP address in network connections

Windows XP – Click START, followed by CONNECTIONS, and then SHOW ALL CONNECTION.  At this point choose the connection for which you want to change IP address and click the SUPPORT tab.  Make a note of the numbers being displayed as the address and then go back to SHOW ALL CONNECTION.

Vista – Click start, the in the search box in the start menu type NETWORK, click NETWORK AND SHARING CENTER from the list of options, then choose CHANGE ADAPTER SETTINGS.  Next double click the connection in question and choose DETAILS and make a note of the IP address and go back to CHANGE ADAPTER SETTINGS.

2.  Change the Number

For all systems, right click on the connection in question, and then choose PROPERTIES.  Find TCP/IP or INTERNET PROTOCOL if XP and IPv4 if Vista.  Double click the relevant option and then choose the USE THE FOLLOWING IP ADDRESS option to change your address by replacing the last number, which is the number after the third dot with any number between 1 and 254.