Ethernet Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Configuration 2023 (Fix)

One of the most frustrating errors that you are likely to see on your screen is “Ethernet doesn’t have a valid IP configuration.” If you aren’t connected to the Internet, there’s not a lot that you can do with your computer.

But, if you have been trying to stay connected and have been constantly getting this error, you need to understand a few things. First of all, you should know that the error usually occurs on Windows computers, usually when the computer is unable to get a valid IP address from the DHCP server.

In its default settings, your network connection is going to get all the details, such as the default gateway, the subnet mask, and the DNS server and the IP address on its own.

But, due to some unknown reasons, there is a chance that your Ethernet connection won’t be able to get all of the information. Because of that, the connections won’t be able to make contact and pass on via the DHCP server.

As a result of that, you are likely to face a series of annoying errors, and it may even restrict your ability to connect to the internet. However, there’s nothing serious about this, and you should know that it’s just a software issue.

If you have been facing this issue, there are several workarounds that you can use. In the following post, I’d like to explain a few reasons why this issue arises, and what you can do to fix the problem.

Ethernet Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Configuration (Fixing the Error)

There are several reasons that can lead to this error. For instance, if the configuration in your network adapter is incorrect, it can cause this error.

Other problems include faulty network drivers, DHCP problems, or expired cached files. But, here are a few methods that you can use to fix this problem.

1. Reset the Winsock Protocol and the TCP/IP Settings

The first thing that you need to do is reset the Winsock protocol and the TCP/IP settings. This is arguably one of the best ways to get rid of a variety of different problems that are related to your internet connection, including issues with your IP and your DNS.

To do this, first press the Windows + X button, and then go to the Command Prompt (Admin). From there, run the following commands:

Netsh winsock reset

Once that is done, you need to execute the following two commands:

Netsh int tcp reset

Netsh int ip reset

After that, you need to reboot the computer so that the changes can take effect. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, there are several other things that you can do.

2. Clean up the Network Cached Files That Are Causing an Invalid IP Configuration

If resetting the Winsock protocol and the TCP/IP settings didn’t resolve your problem, you might want to try and clean up all of the cached files that are on your computer.

First, you will have to open the Command Prompt as instructed in the previous step. Then, you need to perform the following commands to remove the corrupted cached files from your computer.

Ipconfig/release

Ipconfig/flushdns

Ipconfig/renew

Once you have run these commands, you need to restart the computer and then check again to see if the internet connection is restored.

3. Configure the TCP/IP Settings by Yourself

Manually setting the TCP/IP configuration on your computer might resolve the issue. If you are going to do this, you will need to first click on the network connection icon on your taskbar (right click), and then Open the Network and Sharing Center.

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Now, you will have to select the Ethernet network adapter that you are connected to.

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Right click on it, and go to the Properties.

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From there, you need to select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (if you are using IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (if you are using IPv6). Go to the Properties, and you will see a series of options.

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First, if you have a static IP address configured, you might want to consider switching back to the automatic configuration.

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Secondly, if you haven’t tinkered with the settings and everything was at its original position, you might want to configure the Default Gateway, the LAN IP address, the DNS server, and the Subnet Mask by yourself.

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But first, you will have to get in touch with your internet service provider and ask them about the DNS that they use as well as the IP address. You will need all of the accurate information before you can put it in.

There are public DNS servers that you can use as well, though that is not recommended unless you know what you are doing. Call your ISP and get all of the important information before you add it in.

Once all the essential details have been added in, you need to click on OK to save the changes and then reboot the computer. You can then check to see if your computer is working or not.

4. Check the Ethernet Cable/Reboot Router or Modem

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router and switch with connected cables

Now, this is fairly self-explanatory. You need to start off by checking the connection from your router or modem to your computer. First of all, check whether the Ethernet cable is firmly connected to your connector.

Make sure you also check the connection to your router and ensure that it’s fixed in place. Also, check for any joint breaks in the Ethernet wiring. If you see one, there is a chance that you will have to replace the Ethernet cable altogether.

You have to make sure that the connection is stable; most Ethernet ports give a green light when they are receiving a signal, so you can check that.

5. Reinstall the Drivers

Last, but not least, you need to consider the drivers of the Ethernet network adapter and check to see if they are up to date. If the drivers are not up to date, your connection might not be stable.

To update the drivers of your Ethernet network adapter, manually or automatically, you need to first access Device Manager. When you access the Device Manager, you will see a list of all the different devices that are connected to your computer.

Click on Network Adapters, and you will see all the network devices connected to your computer. From there, search for your Ethernet Adapter.

It’s usually known as the Realtek Ethernet Adapter. Right click on it, and then click on Update Driver Software. You will have two options: Windows can either search for the driver directly via the Internet, or you can install it through a setup by yourself.

If you have connectivity, you can search online. But, otherwise, you will have to download the latest drivers from the official manufacturer’s website from another computer, and then put them on a USB stick.

You can then connect the USB stick to your computer, browse to the folder where the drivers are, and install them directly.

These are some of the best solutions that you can use to fix the error that says Ethernet Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Configuration together with other connectivity errors with your computer and restore a stable connection.

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About David

Hey there, I'm David. I recently joined the Spacehop team from Tech Devised, and love writing about all things TECH! When I'm not writing, you can find me enjoying the great outdoors with my golden retriever Lucy or enjoying a pint at my local Irish pub.

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