The new Microsoft Operating System is set up differently than Windows XP and Windows Vista. If you purchase a new PC or Laptop, unless otherwise requested, you'll have Windows 7 as your operating system.
When you connect your new computer to your existing modem you will not have an Internet connection because the IP address will need to be renewed. In some instances the IP address will automatically renew if you unplug the modem and restart your computer. However, in most cases you will need to release and renew the IP address and this article will show you how to accomplish this using Windows 7.
Instructions
- Connect your new computer to your modem. Do not unplug your modem yet. Start your new computer and get to the desktop.
- Open the Control Panel which will either be on the desktop or on the Start Menu. From the Control Panel, click on "Network and Internet" and then click on "Network and Sharing Center."
- From the Network and Sharing Center, top-left click on "Change adapter settings." You will see the Local Area Connection icon. Right-click on the LAN icon and select "disable." This disables the Local Area Connection and also "releases the IP address." Below the LAN icon you will now see the word, "disabled." Leave this on your screen because you'll come back to it in a minute or so.
- Unplug your modem. If you unplug the modem and you still see lights, then you will need to remove the battery from your modem. You want all the lights out on your modem because this completes the releasing of the IP address.
- After 10-20 seconds, plug your modem back in and give the modem at least a minute to fully reset. You'll know it has reset when the lights on the modem are back to normal.
- Go back to your Local Area Connection icon, right-click, and select "enable." This will complete the process of "renewing" your IP address and this will restore your Internet connection.
