1 computer..fixed ip on 1 network and dhcp on the rest wireless

[MrMaster]

I can't believe I am asking this.

Windows 7 laptop
needs a fixed IP on 1 network while the rest can be DHCP.

Why is it that I am baffled on how to do this? I put in a fixed IP and then it won't do DHCP on any other network. I never have run across this before.

 

[imagoon]

Exactly. You set a fixed IP, so it is fixed. Put a reservation in the DHCP server so the machine always gets the same IP at home or whereever you need the "static" IP.

 

[MrMaster]

I don't think I need to edit the router settings to put in a reservation. I've never had to do that before.

here is a better example:

1. i want a fixed IP at home with my laptop
2. I still want to go to starbucks and use their internet with the same laptop

 

[Crusty]

I don't think I need to edit the router settings to put in a reservation. I've never had to do that before.

here is a better example:

1. i want a fixed IP at home with my laptop
2. I still want to go to starbucks and use their internet with the same laptop

Then log into your router and set a DHCP Reservation for your laptop's MAC address. That's the only way to have your computer use the same IP address while still using DHCP.

 

[MrMaster]

Okay, can someone explain this then:

A home network consists of 2 laptops and a desktop. All running different versions of Windows. Both laptops have fixed IP's on the home network. 1 works on open networks but not ones with security. the other doesn't work at all.

In any event, i switched both laptops to DHCP which will alleviate the problem but there is some piece that seems to be missing.

 

[JackMDS]

Install this program and configure two connections.

You can use the Free version, http://www.netsetman.com/index.php?s=nsm

P.S. It is Not called Fixed IP, it is Static IP.

 

[Jamsan]

As Imagoon suggested, you should do reservations on the DHCP server (router). This will allow your home machines to get the same IP every time WITHOUT having to statically set them in your network card properties. This will allow you to go to other locations (Starbucks in your example) and connect without having to reset your settings back to automatically obtain, and then back again when you get home. If you tell us which router you have, we can assist in the configuration requirements.

In essence, you get the MAC address for the NIC on the one laptop you want with the static IP. In the router configuration, you set it to always give the same IP address to that MAC address. When you're home, you will always get that same IP. When you go out, you're laptop settings are still set to DHCP, so it will acquire IPs as normal without any additional changes.

 

[MrMaster]

Thanks. I am sure I can figure out the reservations. Not sure which router this person is using.

 

[JackMDS]

You should know that Not all Routers have IP Reservation.

Sometimes it is called Static DHCP.

 

[Tsaico]

I don't know about your situation, but doesn't windows 7 have three profiles for you to use?
http://www.petri.co.il/inside-windows-7-network-and-sharing-center.htm

So your static IP can be the home/work, the DHCP will be the public...