How do I change the IP address if I use XP. I need a pretty baby steps explanation. Also, if you completely renew your harddrive using the setup disks, does that give you a new IP address each time?

IP addresses are assigned by your Internet Service Provider. if you're on dialup, you get a new one each time you log on to the internet.

if you're on cable or DSL, depending on whether or not you have a static or dynamic IP, you're IP address is renewed automatically.

you can click START, RUN type CMD.

at the prompt type ipconfig /renew

you should then be reassigned another IP.

hard drive settings have nothing to do at all with IP addresses.

dial-up: hangup and re-dial to get a new IP address

broadband (cable/dsl): If you have a static ip address, you need to contact your isp to have it changed.

cable (dynamic ip): IP addresses are leased from the cable company. It's difficult to change. You have to keep your computer off the internet for several days so it will not renew the lease (ipconfig /renew will renew the lease, not ask for a new lease). Other option is to configure your computer as if it has a static ip...that way, your computer won't renew the ip address...so after a few days, when your internet stops working, you can change back to dynamic and do an ipconfig /renew (which will try to renew the lease, but when it fails, you will be assigned a new ip address)

dsl: i don't know since i never had it before