‘169.254.X.X – Invalid IP Config’ Error Solved in 4 Verified Solutions

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on July 6, 2023
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer

169.254.x.x is a private IP addressing space reserved by Microsoft, which it assigns automatically to your network adapter if the adapter cannot obtain an IP address from the DHCP server. Since the address is assigned directly by Windows itself, the issue could either reside with the network adapter or with your router/modem.

In this guide, we will troubleshoot the issue to diagnose the cause and then fix it. Since the issue could be originating from the modem or from within the PC, we will start with the PC.

Here are a few methods that will fix this problem. Method 1 solves the problem almost all the time so try Method 1 first. If it doesn’t solve the problem then go to Method 2, 3, or 4.

Method 1: Reboot the PC

  1. Hold Windows key and press R
  2. Type shutdown /r /f /t 0

OR

  1. Press and hold Shift
  2. Click Start > Shutdown. Keep the Shift key pressed until your computer restarts

Method 2: Fix through IP Config Renewal

  1. Hold Windows key and press R
  2. Type compmgmt.msc then press Enter
  3. Select Device Manager > Expand Network Adapters.
  4. Right-click on the Ethernet or Wireless Adapter that has the issue. You can identify it by the exclamation mark or error mark on the left side. Then, click ‘Uninstall‘
  5. Right click Network Adapters > Scan for Hardware Changes
  6. Hold the Windows Key and press ‘R‘. Type ‘ncpa.cpl‘ and click ‘OK‘. Right-click the network adapter in question and choose ‘Properties’. Then, uncheck ‘Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)‘ and click ‘OK‘.
  7. Hold the Windows key, press X, and choose Command Prompt (Admin). For Windows 7, click Start, type cmd, right-click on cmd, and choose Run as Administrator.
  8. In the black command prompt window that opens up, type ‘netsh winsock reset catalog‘ and then press Enter.
  9. Type ‘netsh int ip reset reset.log‘ and then press Enter.
  10. Type ipconfig /release press Enter
  11. Type ipconfig /renew press Enter
  12. Restart your computer

Method 3: Unchecking Fast Reboot option (Temporary)

  1. Hold Windows Key > Press X (release Windows Key) > Power options for Window 8 and 10. For Windows 7 click Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options
  2. Select Change what the Power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable (if Fast Startup option is greyed out).
  3. Uncheck Turn on Fast Startup
  4. Click Save Changes

Method 4: Restart DNS client

  1. Hold the Windows Key and press ‘R‘. Type ‘services.msc‘ and click ‘OK‘. Scroll down the Services tab and choose ‘DNS Client‘. Right-click on it and choose ‘Restart‘.

If the issue is not yet resolved, please reboot your modem/router; it’s best to power them off for 5 minutes and then turn them back on.

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on July 6, 2023
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer
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Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Comments

7
    LS
    Lionel Smith Aug 17, 2018

    Hi Kevin

    I have tried these, method seems to get closest but after typing “pconfig /release” my computer says “no changes to bluetooth or wifi can be made whilst the wifi is disconnected” or something similar. I have also tried the two AVG removal tools which caused the problem but hey require access to the internet

    Reply
    CJ
    CESAR MURILO DA SILVA JUNIOR Sep 3, 2019

    None of these steps helped me. I have a model tl-pa2010 router with this. I believe the door is in trouble. What do you think?

    Reply
    SW
    Shane Warren Author Sep 5, 2019

    Open Run
    Type in “Services.msc”, press enter
    Double click on “DHCP CLient” and select “Stop”.
    Open CMD as Admin
    Type in “netsh winsock reset”
    Restart Computer and check to see if it solves the issue.

    Reply
      CJ
      CESAR MURILO DA SILVA JUNIOR Sep 5, 2019

      Thanks for the answer. But there was a mistake on my part, the TL-PA2010 is a power line adapter, not a router, so I don’t think it’s manageable or has its dhcp server.

      Reply
        SW
        Shane Warren Author Sep 6, 2019

        These steps are to be done on the computer with Windows

        Reply
    SW
    Shane Warren Author Sep 25, 2019

    Try this:
    “Open Run
    Type in “Services.msc”, press enter
    Double click on “DHCP CLient” and select “Stop”.
    Open CMD as Admin
    Type in “netsh winsock reset”
    Restart Computer and check to see if it solves the issue.”

    Reply
    AS
    Andrwe Stotzer Nov 7, 2022

    I installed the Bright VPN on my LG OLED CX two days ago, and it wanted to use my tv to do data research on the internet and in turn, give me free VPN. I declined immediately and uninstalled that app. A few hours later (when my router refreshed IPs?) I lost my internet connection for my entire LAN. After about 10 hours of debugging I figured out that my LG TV was now automatically assigning a LAN IP starting with 169.245.xxx.xxx. So, here I am.. WTF!! How do you fix a LG TV that has this problem. At the moment, I have assigned a Static IP, but I would like to have my TV fixed. I reset it to factory twice. And talked to LG Support, who told me to contact Bright VPN. Does anybody know how to reset the network info on the TV? Would flashing a bio fix this??

    Reply