Check your computer’s IP address

The Internet Protocol (IP) is the method by which data is sent from one computer to another across the Internet. Each device that communicates over the Internet is assigned an IP address that uniquely identifies it, and distinguishes it from other devices on the Internet. Your computer has an IP address, as does every other computer on the Internet.

This section tells you how to check your IP address to make sure that you’re recognised as a Virgin Media customer, and can communicate over the Internet.

Windows Vista users, click here to carry out this check.

Mac users, click here to carry out this check.

Windows 2000, Windows 98 or Windows ME users, click here to carry out this check. Note that you need to be comfortable with DOS commands to check the IP address on one of these operating systems.

Windows XP users can check their IP address using the Windows XP LAN status tool. To do this:

1. On the desktop, click on Start and then click on Control Panel.

2. Double-click on Network and Internet Connections.

3. Double-click on Network Connections.

4. Identify your Local Area Connection, and double click on it.
   
   
   The Local Area Connection Status window opens.
5. Click on the Support tab. The IP address assigned to your computer is clearly labelled.
   
   

Make a note of the first number in the address (before the first full stop), which will have either two or three figures. Now check to see if you have a valid IP address:

• If the first number in the address is 62, 80, 81, 82, 213, or if it is 192 (and you are using a router), then this is a valid Virgin Media IP address, and you should be able to connect to the Internet.
  
  If you can’t, click here to go to the next step.
  
  
• If the first number in the address is 172 or 10, this is a private IP address that has been assigned to a cable modem or set top box. It is unlikely you will be able to connect to the Internet with this address.
  To resolve this, check that your computer is set up to obtain an IP address automatically. To do this, click here.
  
  If you still can’t connect, contact technical support
  
  
• If the first number in the address is 169, this lets you know that your computer failed to contact the DHCP server on the network. You will not be able to use the Internet or email with this IP address.
  Try rebooting the modem and computer, as described here.

  If you still can’t connect, contact technical support.