Solution to “Ethernet does not have a valid IP configuration”

This is one of the most common errors that Windows users sometimes end up facing: “Ethernet does not have a valid IP configuration”The issue obviously has to do with the connection via an Ethernet cable.

The meaning of the error is clear: the computer cannot obtain a IP address valid from our network, so it is impossible to connect to the Internet. In this article we analyze the houses that give rise to this problem and we will review the most effective solutions to solve it.

Before going into more detail, a brief explanation of how these connections work: All devices on a network need to have a valid IP (Internet Protocol) address to access the Internet. and also to be able to establish communication with other devices.

In order for this not to fail, it is necessary that the router or the DHCP server is working properly and that the network settings on our computer are not damaged or incorrectly configured. In addition, of course, the hardware used (cable, network port, etc.) must be in good condition.

Causes of the “Ethernet does not have a valid IP configuration” error

The most common reasons that can lead to the error “Ethernet does not have a valid IP configuration” are the following:

• Faulty or damaged Ethernet cable (also a bad port), can cause the connection to be interrupted
• Incorrect IP configuration: The computer cannot obtain an automatic IP address from the router.
• Network conflicts, when other devices on the network are using the same IP address.
• Outdated or corrupt drivers.
• router problems due to incorrect settings or temporary errors.

Solutions to the problem

To successfully get rid of the “Ethernet does not have a valid IP configuration” error, the first thing to do is to identify the source of the problem to know what solution to apply. But sometimes this is not so simple, so it is best to try each of the following: solutions, in the same order in which we present them:

Restart your computer and router

The classic resource that, despite everything, serves us on many occasions to get out of all kinds of problems. To restart both devices we will do the following:

1. To begin with, We turn off the computer and unplug the router from the power outlet.
2. Then we wait about 2 or 3 minutes.
3. After this time, we return to plug in the router to the stream and we start it.
4. Once the router is operational, We turn on the computer and we check that the connection has been made.

Checking the status of the Ethernet cable

If the problem persists after the restart, check that both the Ethernet cable and the connection ports are in good condition.

It is important to check the Ethernet cable in detail to locate possible damage. To be on the safe side, it is advisable try another cable, or even connect the computer to another network to rule out a problem with our device.

If everything is in order and we still see the error “Ethernet does not have a valid IP configuration”, we must move on to the next solution.

Getting a new IP address

At this point we need to use the Windows command console. Using a certain command, we can force the computer to obtain a new IP address. Here's how to do it:

1. First we use the keyboard shortcut Windows + R to open the "Run" dialog.
2. There we write cmd And we pressed Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the command console as administrator.
3. Then you have to enter the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
   • ipconfig / release
   • ipconfig / renew
4. Once this is done, we close the console and try connecting to the Internet again.

With this, the computer releases the current IP address to request a new one from the router.

Manual IP Configuration

If the server does not assign a valid IP address automatically, we will have to do it ourselves. These are the steps to follow:

1. On the taskbar, we click on the network icon.
2. select "Open network and Internet settings."
3. In the "Status" section, we select the option «Change adapter options».
4. Next we right click on Ethernet and select "Properties".
5. There we will "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4)" and click on “Properties” again.
6. In the option "Use the following IP address" we enter the following values:
   • IP address: 192.168.1.100
   • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
   • Default gateway: 192.168.1.1
7. En «Preferred DNS Server», we enter the Google DNS server: 8.8.8.8
8. Finally, we click OK and check the connection again.

Resetting Network Settings

Sometimes the “Ethernet does not have a valid IP configuration” message is caused by corrupted settings. In these cases, resetting the network (i.e. restoring defaults) can be a solution:

1. First we open the Configuring Windows using Windows + I.
2. Then we will Network and Internet.
3. There we select "State".
4. We click on the option «Network reset».
5. In conclusion, we restart the computer.

Updating Network Drivers

As we mentioned earlier, if the drivers are outdated or have become corrupted, we may encounter the error “Ethernet does not have a valid IP configuration.” To update them, here’s what to do:

1. We use the shortcut Windows + X to select the Device administrator.
2. Then we expanded the category Network adapters.
3. Now we right click on the Ethernet adapter and select "Update driver".
4. We chose the option "Find drivers automatically" and our computer will do the rest.

System restore

This is the most suitable solution in case you have detected that the problem “Ethernet does not have a valid IP configuration” started to occur after a software update or installation. The idea is to restore the system to a previous point*:

How to do it? In the Windows search bar we write "System Restore" and press Enter. Then, simply follow the instructions to choose a previous restore point and let Windows restore the system settings.

(*) Obviously, this will only help us if we have previously established a restore point.

That's it for our list of possible solutions for the "Ethernet does not have a valid IP configuration" error. If, after trying all of them, the problem persists, it's likely that we are facing the situation of damaged hardware or there are advanced network settings or operating system conflicts that are beyond our control. In such cases, we need to seek specialized outside help.