Windows has detected an IP address conflict

Anonymous
2009-09-22T07:04:32+00:00

I just recently purchased my laptop so I am just learning. The message I got on the computer said, Another computer on this network has the same IP address as this computer. Contact your network administrator for help resolving this issue. More details are available in the Windows System event log. What does this mean and is this something important I need to fix. I would appreciate any help in this matter.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2009-09-22T08:22:55+00:00

I see that message on my home network sometimes, and it's not critical.  If you have a home network, try powering off your router, waiting a few seconds, and powering it on.  If you're on a business network, consult with the network manager.


Steve Winograd, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience)

Was this answer helpful?

200+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments

113 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Anonymous
    2014-02-13T17:40:58+00:00

    NO!!!!! Reformatting your Hard Drive and Reinstalling Windows has absolutely nothing to do with this issue. This is strictly a network issue, not a hardware/software issue. Its not even that big of a deal, just click ok and go on with your day....If your getting that mad about it, go learn how to set static IP addresses for everything connected to the network. Please, nobody listen to that response and go try to reformat your Hard Drive or reinstall your Operating System, that will not fix the issue AT ALL!! Its not even close!!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-02-13T17:30:08+00:00

    It has nothing to do with Windows 7, and more than likely nothing to do with the machine itself unless the wifi adapter is buggy, which even then would not throw that error. It means that there are 2 computers, phones, tablets, printers, anything with an internet connection using the same LOCAL IP ADDRESS. Even if you run ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew it will fix it for then, but might come up later. Log into your router and set static IP addresses for your devices, that will fix the issue. Whoever went from Windows 7 back to Vista, I literally cannot wrap my mind around that decision!!!!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-01-31T17:01:06+00:00

    VZ Access Manger setting must be changed. The link will explain in detail what to do.

    http://www.vzam.net/uploadedFiles/UML290%20VPN%20Connection%20Issues%20-%20Read%20Me%20-%20v2.pdf

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2013-11-29T20:36:12+00:00

    I have two devices on the network. A wireless router set as passive to handle a local network on an IP range totally far away from the ip range of the cable modem router. Works fine every day for months on end and then suddenly POW! I get this ridiculous message about an ip conflict on the network. The error message is absolute bloody rubbish since all the assigned ips are totally unique. Microsoft! When are you going to sort this **** out?!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments