IP disagreements between two computers usually render either one or both of them unusable for network processes.

IP Address Conflicts Occur?

Two computers can get conflicting IP addresses in any of several manners:
A system administrator puts a computer a static IP address within the DHCP range of the local network (dynamic IP range), as well as the local DHCP server automatically assigns the same address.

A malfunction in the DHCP server of the network enables the exact same dynamic address to automatically be put to multiple computers.

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) inadvertently puts two customers the same IP address (either dynamically or statically).

Notice which other types of IP disagreements may also happen on a network. One computer may experience an IP address contradiction with itself if that computer is configured with numerous network adapters. System administrators could additionally create IP disagreements by inadvertently linking two interfaces of a network switch or router to every other.

Recognizing IP Address Contradictions

On most Microsoft Windows computers, should you try to establish a fixed (static) IP address that’s active on the local network, you may get the following popup error message:

The static IP address which was only configured is in use on the network. Please reconfigure another IP address.
In the Taskbar, you need to get a balloon error message on newer Microsoft Windows computers having dynamic IP disagreements when the operating system finds the problem:

Occasionally, particularly on older Windows computers, a message like the following may appear in a popup window:

On Linux or Mac computers, a similar message will usually appear on screen.

Concluding IP Address Disagreements

Attempt these remedies for IP disagreements:

1. In case your pc has a dynamically assigned address, reviving and releasing its IP address can work around IP address disagreements.

2. In case your home router is considered to truly have a defective DHCP server causing IP disagreements on the home network, this issue may be resolved by upgrading the router firmware.