Useful IP Commands To Troubleshoot Network Issues in Windows Domain Network

These commands provide critical insights into network connectivity, DNS resolution, routing, and configuration issues. They help identify and resolve problems with domain connectivity, misconfigured network adapters, or unreachable resources.

                    Here’s a list of useful IP commands to troubleshoot network issues on a Windows PC. Each command is explained with an example of how to use it.

---

1. Reset TCP/IP Stack

Command:

• netsh int ip reset

Example:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type:
  • netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt
• This resets the TCP/IP stack to its default state. The optional log file (c:\resetlog.txt) records the changes made.

---

2. Reset Winsock Catalog

Command:

• netsh winsock reset

Example:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type:
  • netsh winsock reset
• This resets the Winsock catalog, which resolves issues caused by corrupted network settings or software.

---

3. Release IP Address

Command:

• ipconfig /release

Example:

• Open Command Prompt and type:
  • ipconfig /release
• This releases the current IP address configuration, disconnecting the computer from the network temporarily.

---

4. Renew IP Address

Command:

• ipconfig /renew

Example:

• After releasing the IP address, type:
  • ipconfig /renew
• This requests a new IP address from the DHCP server, re-establishing the network connection.

---

5. Flush DNS Cache

Command:

• ipconfig /flushdns

Example:

• Open Command Prompt and type:
  • ipconfig /flushdns
• This clears the DNS cache, resolving issues with outdated or incorrect domain name resolutions.

---

6. Clear Routing Table

Command:

• route -f

Example:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type:
  • route -f
• This clears all routes from the routing table except for the default route, which is useful for fixing incorrect routing entries.
  

7. Test Network Connectivity with Ping

Command:

• ping

Example:

• To test connectivity with a specific server or device, type:
  • ping domaincontroller.company.local
• This sends ICMP packets to the specified domain controller or server to verify its availability. Look for replies to ensure connectivity.

---

8. Display Network Configuration

Command:

• ipconfig /all

Example:

• To view detailed network adapter settings, type:
  • ipconfig /all
• This displays the complete network configuration, including IP address, DNS servers, DHCP status, and domain settings. Use this to verify the PC is correctly configured for the domain.

---

9. Test Name Resolution with Nslookup

Command:

• nslookup

Example:

• To verify that DNS is resolving domain names correctly, type:
  • nslookup www.google.com
• This queries the DNS server and provides the resolved IP address. Use it to troubleshoot domain-related name resolution issues.

---

10. Reset Network Adapters

Command:

• netsh interface ip set dns and netsh interface reset

Example:

• To reset the network adapter and DNS settings, type:
  • netsh interface ip set dns name="Ethernet" source=dhcp
  • netsh interface reset all
• This resets the adapter to use DHCP for DNS and clears any custom configurations.

---

11. Trace Network Route

Command:

• tracert

Example:

• To trace the route packets take to a destination, type:
  • tracert domaincontroller.company.local
• This shows each hop packets take to reach the destination. It helps identify network bottlenecks or misconfigured routers in a domain network.