The console-based ipconfig command enables you to view and set IP settings for the local computer. For example, the follow command lists all settings and properties for IP:
ipconfig /all
However, configuring IP settings isn't the only task you can perform with ipconfig. This handy tool also lets you view DNS information and troubleshoot DNS problems.
For example, if a DNS lookup has failed because a DNS server wasn't available, that failed lookup is cached by the computer. You can clear the local DNS resolver cache with the following command:
ipconfig /flushdns
When you're troubleshooting DNS, it's sometimes useful to be able to view the contents of the resolver cache to determine what the resolver has returned for a particular host. To view the cache, use the following command:
ipconfig /displaydns
In addition, you can also cause Windows to update the DNS record for the local host in the local DNS server:
ipconfig /registerdns
Updating the host record in DNS ensures that the host name will resolve to the appropriate IP address after a DHCP lease renewal or manual address change.
Want more Win2K tips and tricks? Automatically sign up for our free Windows 2000 Professional newsletter, delivered each Tuesday!
