Webuser Forums: IP address problem

Hello,

I have an IP addressing problem with my home network. I'll try to be brief.

I've been using two PCs (one desktop, one laptop) with a Linksys 4 port switch for about two years. All are set up for DHCP and I've had no problems at all until recently. Both PCs are Dells running Windows XP Professional SP2.

In the last week, the laptop has begun exhibiting strange behavior. When I boot the laptop and then connect it to the switch, the router attempts to provide an address (usually 192.168.1.103) but the laptop will not accept it. Instead, I receive a limited or no connectivity notice and the IP address on the PC reads 169.254.73.173. Using Ipconfig /renew, release, etc. do not help.

If I connect the laptop to the switch before I boot, everything runs as I would expect. The laptop accepts the address given and all is well.

This isn't normal behavior for this PC. In the past, I would frequently boot then connect, disconnect, etc., throughout the day with no address assignment issues. Through all of this, the desktop runs as always with no problems. That leads me to suspect the switch is not the problem.

I've read that 169.254.X.X addresses are not valid addresses and are assigned if XP cannot obtain a serviceable address. That I understand, but this connectivity problem is new.

This problem occurs when I hardwire into the switch and when I attempt to connect wirelessly to a Linksys AP that is also connected to the switch.

Firewall and other security settings have not been changed recently.

Is TCP/IP or Winsock corrupted?

Thanks.

djb3032

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