Having a fixed or static IP has its own pros and cons. The very obvious disadvantage is that you are “locked” in the Internet. “Locked” here means you are restricted or limited by those websites, services or web apps that track IP.

Take Rapidshare for example. If you are a free user, you only can download certain MB of files in an hour and they track you by your IP. So, if you have a static IP, you are bounded by that limitation.

The Workaround

Then, how to bypass that restriction? Easy, get a new IP. But by having a static IP, you can’t just restart your router to generate a new one. So, here is the trick and workaround to generate a new IP address even you have a fixed IP.

Disclaimer: It might not work for every single ISP, connection, and operating system. There is a 40% chances it won’t work for you. Try it at your own risk. This trick tested and works on Windows XP.

Note: You need a direct connection from your computer to your modem. If you have a router, disconnect it and directly connect your computer to the modem.

1. Open up your Command Prompt.
2. To check your current IP address simply type: ipconfig /all
3. Now, it’s time to release your current IP. Type: ipconfig /release
4. Go take a break. Close Command Prompt and go make yourself a cup of coffee!
5. OK, time to get new IP. Again, open your Command Prompt and type: ipconfig /renew
6. Done.

Troubleshooting

“Damn! I followed every single step and it just won’t work” Well, sad to hear that but you can double check your steps by following these guidelines:

• Did you type “ipconfig /release” and “ipconfig /renew”? Make sure you do, those two steps are crucial!
• Did you put a <space> between “ipconfig” and “/release or /renew”? Actually it doesn’t matter, but just in case.
• Did you take a break between step 3 and 5? Yes? Probably not long enough. Leave it overnight!
• Did you connect your computer directly to your modem? Again, it only works if you are directly connected to the Internet (i.e. no router in between).
• OK. If you have done everything correctly and it still wont work, read the Disclaimer above.

Again, feel free to drop your comments below whether it works/not or you have a better solution, I would like to hear.