Reason:

This article outlines methods of resolving issues with a 169.x.x.x IP address. This address results from a built in feature of windows called automatic private IP address(APIPA). When your computer is unable to find a DHCP server the APIPA service will assign itself a 169.x.x.x IP address. According to Microsoft, the APIPA service checks for a DHCP server every five minutes.

Cause

If you're getting a 169.xxx.xxx.xx in your computer, means your computer probably didn’t communicate with your router. Below can be the probable reasons:

•  Cable unplugged from either ends ( On the computer side or router side)

• IP address not refreshed

• Anti-Virus blocking the connectivity

Releasing the IP address

1. Click on Start and click Run.
2. Inside Run, type ipconfig /release to release the IP address.
3. Then after the IP address is released, type ipconfig /renew

Disabling the Ethernet Adapter

1. Click on Start and right click on My Computer. Then click on Manage.
2. Click on Device Manager and then Network Adapters
3. Under Network Adapters, right click on your Ethernet adapter and select Disable.
4. Wait approximately 5 seconds and right click on it and click Re-enable.
5. This restarts the DHCP client and tries to obtain an IP address from the Network.

Check the Ethernet cable

Sometimes a bad Ethernet cable can cause your system to receive a 169 IP address, try changing out the cable for a new one.

Disable antivirus and firewall applications

Disable/uninstall any external firewall, antivirus, or spyware programs (eg. Norton Internet Security, McAfee Security Center, Webroot).

Restarting the QoS packet scheduler Protocol

1. Click on Start and click Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, double click on Network Connections and then Local Area Connection.
3. Click on Properties and uncheck QoS Packet Scheduler.
4. Click Ok and repeat the process. 

Restarting the DHCP service

1. Click Start and select Run.
2. Type services.msc in Run and click Ok.
3. Find DHCP service and right click on it. Click on Stop.
4. Reboot the computer.
5. When the computer boots up, click Start and select Run
6. Inside Run, type the following: netsh int ip reset log.txt
7. Click Ok.

System Restore

1. Open Start and click on Programs and then Accessories.

Instead of disabling Ethernet or wireless N/w adapter,If it is Windows vista or Windows 7 we can try to uninstall and reboot the sys to check if sys automatically detects and install the N/w drivers.

Applies to:

ü  Windows XP

ü  Windows  Vista

ü  Windows 7

ü  Windows 8/8.1

ü  Windows 10

If you still need further support, contact Answersby Tech Support