Release and Renew (DHCP)

For Windows 95, 98, ME

click on Start
click on Run
in the box type in winipcfg
click OK
A window will pop up that is labeled IP Configuration.
make sure the adaptor is for the type of connection they are using by clicking the down arrow;
ppp is dialup
their ethernet adaptor should also be listed there if they have one installed.
listed next to the IP address is a number and that should match the numbers for the Service they are using.
click on release
click on renew
check the numbers

You can do a PING test.
Click on Start
Click on Run
Type in the box command
click OK

See PING Below

For Windows 2000, XP

click on Start
click on run
type in cmd
click  OK
You will now get a black screen
type ipconfig and hit enter
look for the IP address,  the number should match their service.
type ipconfig/release and hit enter
the IP address is now 0.0.0.0
type ipconfig/renew and hit enter
they should now have a new IP Address matching the service.
You can do a PING test, See Ping below.

If they have a router, the ip address will reflect the  address the router gave that computer.

Sometimes the IP address will come up with a 169. number.  That could be a windows IP, a Mac IP or it could indicate a bad setup on the telco end.  We can call those in....

Ping test

type in ping 12.23.66.3 (Linktel DNS, you can use the DNS for the service they are with)
hit enter
If they get back 4 replys from the DNS you had them type in.  THEY ARE WORKING.
type in ping www.yahoo.com
hit enter
If they get back 4 replys from yahoo.com then the dns is working.
If they get back 4 replys from a different number, they are then talking to the modem or the router.  They are not getting out past the modem or router.  This will tell us the NIC, cable and the modem or router is working.