subject: How To Change Ip Address (Windows 7 & Vista) [print this page] The question is: how do I change my IP address? Before answering that question properly, it's important to first determine why you want to change your IP address. If you want to prevent a website from tracking your visits, you may be able to simply swap out your ISP-issued IP address for a new one (see option #1-2). But if you want to change your apparent geographic location, perhaps to get an IP in your home country while traveling, or for anonymous surfing, then you'll need to use some sort of relay server. For that, you can skip down to options #3-5.
IMPORTANT: Before and after using any of the methods below, be sure to delete your web browser cookies. Doing so will clear stored information that may link your web browser to your previous IP.
Option #1 to change IP address:
Are you using a dialup Internet connection? If so, you can almost always change your IP address just by dialing up through another access number. Likewise, changing your Internet connection, perhaps by using WiFi at a local cafe or public library, will have the same effect.
Option #2 to change IP address (for Windows 7 and Vista):
Assuming you are a bit more up-to-date, and have a broadband DSL or cable Internet connection, you can still change your IP address by prompting your ISP to issue a new one to you. Before following the steps below, you'll first need to make sure that your computer is connected directly to your modem via a cable. In other words, disconnect from any wireless connection, remove any router, plug your modem directly into your computer, and restart both. Then follow the steps below to "request" your change of IP address:
-Step 1: Make a note of your current IP address as displayed at FindMyIPAddress.com
-Step 2: Go to your START menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt. At the prompt, type the following: ipconfig /release [Enter] (note there is a space after "ipconfig")
-Step 3: Turn your modem OFF and wait 30 seconds before turning it back ON. Then wait another minute or so for all the modem lights to come back on and start blinking like they normally do.
-Step 4: Go to your START menu -> Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center -> then click "Manage network connections" (Vista) or "Change adapter settings" (Windows 7).
-Step 5: RIGHT-click on the "Local Area Connection" and select Disable. Then RIGHT-click it again, but this time select Enable.
-Step 6: Wait about 30-60 seconds (after doing this process a few times you'll know how long your computer requires).
-Step 7: Check FindMyIPAddress.com again to verify that your IP has changed.
Option #3 to change your IP address (relay services):
If your goal is to change your apparent geographic location, or to use an IP that is not associated with your real Internet Service Provider, the most convenient solution is to use a service like iPrivacyTools.com to change IP address. The big advantage here is that you can switch back and forth between your real and fake IP just by clicking a button. Services like this one use IP changing software that routes your traffic through secure servers in remote locations, which causes your traffic to assume the IP address of that server and it's location.
Option #4 to change IP address (private proxy):
If you don't trust a 3rd party service to relay your web traffic, let me first say that most such (paid) services offer full SSL capabilities, so you really don't have to worry about passwords or financial information being monitored while surfing. However, if you're the paranoid type, another option is to setup your own private proxy server. While not as convenient as using a 3rd party service, anyone with a little patience can perform such a setup themselves. And with the decreasing cost of "virtual private servers" (VPS), you can probably get yourself up and running for less than $10 per month. You can either Google your way through the process, or if you'd like an expert to walk you through it the first time, check out Private-Proxy-Servers.com. You can either have them setup your private proxy, or just get the instructions (which will allow you to setup as many servers as you'd like).
Option #5 to change your IP address (private VPN):
Using "Virtual Private Network" (VPN) technology is another method of relaying your web traffic through a remote IP address. In certain aspects, the VPN is somewhat superior to a standard proxy connection because VPN will allow you to change the IP address of pretty much all your Internet-enabled software, whereas a proxy will only cover your web browser and other applications that you manually configure for it. However, it's also true that the vast majority of us only care about changing the IP address of Internet Explorer, Firefox, or other web browser. One other advantage of VPN is that it encrypts your connection between your browser and the VPN server (even if not connected via SSL), which provides additional security while using public WiFi hotspots. This would make VPN the preferred "IP Changer" for travelers or anyone who often works remotely. Like the private proxy option, you can also setup your own VPN or use a 3rd party provider like iPrivacyTools.
Final Words and a Warning:
This overview is intended for average users who want to change their IP address for legitimate purposes. While there are other free methods of relaying your Internet traffic (e.g. "public" proxies and web proxies), they are so unstable and fraught with security risks that I have chosen not to discuss them here. I recently had to buy a new computer because I picked up a spyware virus while attempting to use one. Therefore, I would only recommend exploring those free options if you don't mind using abused, blacklisted, and insecure IP's, and your computer is fully protect with a quality anti-virus software.
