Windows

Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration {Solved}

June 4, 2024

In today’s connected world, encountering network issues on your computer can disrupt your productivity and access to online resources. One common issue faced by Windows users is when “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration.”

This error prevents Windows from using your Ethernet connection effectively, leading to the inability to access the internet. This article provides a detailed exploration of what this error means, why it occurs, and how to fix it to restore your network connectivity.

Understanding the Error: Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration

This error typically appears when your computer cannot obtain a valid IP address from your router or modem. An IP address is crucial as it identifies your device on a network, allowing it to communicate with other devices and access the internet.

Without a valid IP address, your computer cannot connect to the internet, leading to the error in question.

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Causes of the Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration Error

Several factors can lead to this error:

Faulty router or modem: Issues with your networking hardware can prevent it from assigning an IP address to your computer.
Incorrect network settings: Sometimes, incorrect or corrupted network settings on your PC can lead to this error.
Outdated or corrupted network drivers: Drivers facilitate communication between your operating system and hardware. Outdated or corrupted drivers can disrupt this communication.
Faulty Ethernet cables: Damaged or faulty Ethernet cables can also be a culprit, as they may not transmit data effectively.
Third-party software: Certain software, especially VPNs or security programs, can alter your network settings or interfere with network connections.

How To Resolve An Ethernet Connection Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration

Because Ethernet lacks the Default IP Configuration attribute, you will be unable to connect to the network. To resolve the problem Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration:

1. Install TCP/IP

Step 1: From the keyboard, press the Windows and X keys together. Select Network Connections from the list of possibilities that appears.

Step 2: The Network Connection Window will open in Step 2. Right-click the Network and Sharing Center and select Properties.

Step 3: Next, choose the Network Adapter and then Properties.

The Properties page will appear in the third step. Select Protocol as the Network feature type and then click the Add button after clicking the Install button.

Step 4: To install the Network Protocol, select it as a Reliable Multicast Protocol and click the OK button.

Step 5: To see if the Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration issue has been rectified, reconnect your WiFi or Ethernet.

2. Disable The Network Connection

Step 1: From the keyboard, press the Windows and X keys together. Select Command Prompt from the list of choices that appears (Admin). If cmd isn’t displayed, select Power Shell instead (Admin).

Step 2: In Power Shell, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each command:

ipconfig/flushdns

nbtstat -R nbtstat -R nbtstat –

nbtstat -RR nbtstat -RR nbtstat –

c:/netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt

winsock reset netsh

Step 4: Now it’s time to reboot your computer.

Step 5: After the system has restarted, press the Windows and X keys on the keyboard together. Select Network Connections from the list of possibilities that appears.

Step 6: Next, click Change Adapter Options, then right-click on your Network and select Disable from the menu.

Step 7: Right-click the network once more, and this time select Enable. Examine whether or not the Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration problem has been resolved.

3. Resetting TCP/IP and Flushing DNS

Step 1: From the keyboard, press the Windows and X keys together. Select Command Prompt from the list of choices that appears (Admin). If cmd isn’t displayed, select Power Shell instead (Admin).

Step 2: In PowerShell, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each command:

/release ipconfig

/flushdns ipconfig

/renew ipconfig

Step 3: Restart PowerShell and type the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each one:

/flushdns ipconfig

nbtstat –r nbtstat –r nbtstat –

int ip reset netsh

reset winsock netsh

Step 4: Finally, reboot your machine to see if the Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration problem has been resolved.

4. Run The Troubleshooter

Step 1: From your keyboard, press the Windows and I keys together to bring up the Settings window.

Step 2: Select the Update and Security option.

Step 3: Select Troubleshoot from the pane’s left side. Now, go to Internet Connection and select Run the Troubleshooter from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: The troubleshooting process will begin, followed by a reboot of your system.

5. Turn Off IPv6

Step 1: To begin, right-click on the Wi-Fi or Network icon in the taskbar’s bottom left corner.

Step 2: Next, select Open Network and Sharing Center from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Next, click on your current connection (for example, Ethernet 2), and the Settings dialogue will appear. Now you must select the Properties option.

Step 4: Select Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and deselect it.

Step 5: Click the OK button, then close the window. After that, To save your changes, restart your computer.

6. Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus and Firewall

Step 1: Select Disable from the Antivirus Program icon at the bottom of the taskbar by right-clicking it.

Step 2: Next, choose the length of time that antivirus will be disabled.

Step 3: Next, try to connect to the Internet again to see if the problem has been repaired.

Step 4: Press the Windows and R keys together to open the Run box, then type control panel and click the OK button.

Step 5: Next, go to System and Security and then to Windows Defender Firewall.

Step 6: Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off on the left side of the screen.

Step 7: Finally, select Turn off Windows Firewall and restart your computer. Restart your computer and see if the Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration problem has been addressed.

7. Enabling The DHCP Service

Step 1: Press the Windows and R keys together to open the Run box, then type services.msc and click the OK button.

Step 2: In the list, look for DHCP client and double-click it to reveal the DHCP Client properties.

Step 3: If the service isn’t running, change the Startup type to Automatic and start it.

Step 4: Next, click the Apply button, then the OK button.

Step 5: Finally, restart your computer to save the changes you’ve made.

8. Update Your Network Adapter Drivers

Step 1: Select Properties from the right-click menu on This PC.

Step 2: Next, select Device Manager from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: To expand the list of objects, click the arrow next to Network Adaptors.

Step 4: After that, right-click on Your Network Adaptors and select Update Drivers.

Step 5: Next, select Search Automatically for Updating Driver Software from the drop-down menu. (You’ll need internet access, either via Wi-Fi or another source.)

Step 6: Finally, restart your computer to apply the modifications.

9. Update Your BIOS

This method is only suggested for advanced users, since any negligence when using it could result in irreversible hardware damage, as well as the DNS server not responding issue. If you still want to take a chance, it’s entirely up to you.

Your system’s smooth operation could be hampered by an outdated BIOS. You can attempt updating your BIOS, but keep in mind that even the tiniest error in the BIOS update method might cause serious damage to your motherboard. So be cautious when using this technique.

How to Get Your Ethernet a Valid IP Configuration

To resolve the “Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” issue, follow these troubleshooting steps:

Restart Your Modem and Router:
- Turn off your modem and router.
- Wait for about 30 seconds.
- Turn them back on.
- Allow them to fully restart.
Restart Your Computer:
- Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve networking issues.
Check Ethernet Cable:
- Ensure that your Ethernet cable is securely connected to both your computer and the router or modem.
Release and Renew IP Configuration:
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the following commands and press Enter after each:
  
  ipconfig /release
  
  ipconfig /renew
Reset TCP/IP Stack:
- In the Command Prompt (run as administrator), enter the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
  
  netsh winsock reset
  
  netsh int ip reset
Disable and Enable Network Adapter:
- Right-click on the network icon in the system tray.
- Select “Open Network & Internet settings.”
- Click on “Change adapter options.”
- Right-click on your Ethernet adapter and choose “Disable.”
- After a few seconds, right-click it again and choose “Enable.”
Update Network Adapter Driver:
- Go to the manufacturer’s website for your network adapter.
- Download the latest driver for your specific adapter model.
- Install the new driver and restart your computer.
Check for IP Address Conflict:
- Access your router’s configuration page in a web browser (usually by entering “192.168.1.1” or a similar address).
- Check the list of connected devices to ensure no other device has the same IP address as your computer.
Check Router or Modem Settings:
- Access your router or modem’s settings page and ensure DHCP is enabled.
- Verify that there are no IP address restrictions or filters that could affect your connection.
Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP):
- If none of the above steps resolve the issue, contact your ISP for further assistance, as there may be network problems beyond your control.

Troubleshooting tips:

Troubleshooting the “Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” error on Windows can be frustrating, but here are some practical steps to help resolve the issue:

1. Restart Your Computer and Router

Often, a simple restart of your computer and networking equipment can resolve the issue as it clears temporary configurations and restarts network services.

2. Check Physical Connections

Ensure that your Ethernet cable is securely connected to both your computer and your router. Check for any visible signs of damage to the cable and replace it if necessary.

3. Enable and Disable Ethernet Adapter

Go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
Right-click on your Ethernet connection and select “Disable.”
Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select “Enable.”

4. Renew IP Address

Renewing the IP address can resolve issues with IP configuration:

Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Type ipconfig /release and press Enter to release the current IP configuration.
Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter to request a new IP address from the router.

5. Reset TCP/IP Stack

Resetting the TCP/IP stack can resolve many network-related issues:

Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter. This command resets the TCP/IP stack to its default configuration.
Restart your computer.

6. Update Ethernet Adapter Driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause network issues:

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the “Network adapters” section, find your Ethernet adapter, right-click it, and select “Update driver.”
Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the prompts.

7. Set IP Address Manually

Sometimes, setting the IP address manually can help if DHCP (the protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses) is not functioning correctly:

Go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
Right-click your Ethernet connection, select “Properties.”
Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
Select “Use the following IP address” and fill in the IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway (these values can usually be obtained from your router settings or your ISP).
Set Preferred DNS server as your router’s IP address or use public DNS (like Google’s 8.8.8.8).

8. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, a bug in Windows can cause network issues, which might be fixed in a newer update:

Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.

9. Disable Fast Startup

Windows 10’s Fast Startup feature can interfere with how network settings are loaded:

Go to Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do.
Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
Uncheck “Turn on fast startup (recommended)” and click “Save changes.”

Following these troubleshooting steps systematically should help you resolve the “Ethernet Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration” error and restore your network connectivity.