How to get IP address automatically?

[Doug Wateridge]

I have a Windows XP Pro system that I occasionally need to access remotely,
which works fine using RDP terminal services. This system is connected via
domestic broadband, so the IP address is allocated each time by the ISP.
For various reasons its not possible to leave the machine running 24x7 so
the IP address varies from time to time.

The machine automatically connects to the internet at startup time. It
would be handy if there was some automated way (script? startup program?)
of finding out what the allocated IP address was and Emailing it to a
predetermined address, thus avoiding the need for me to call someone local
to the machine and have them do an IPCONFIG and read out the IP address
down the phone...

Is this possible? Whats the best approach to take here?

Any advice appreciated!

TIA.

--Doug.

 

[Guest]

There is a new service on the Internet called DDNS (Dynamic DNS).
Basically, you install some software on your computer so that when it makes
an Internet connection it sends these DNS servers the IP address it is using
and then you can address the computer by domain name.

I have never used it, but it looks nice for someone in your situation. Just
search google for DDNS or Dynamic DNS and you will see a bunch of vendors.

 

[Tom]

Here's what I do - I use Karen Kentworthy's E-Mailer II program with a
scheduled task to fire it off - to send myself an e-mail then I just get the
IP from the header information.
You can find it at http://www.karenware.com/powertools/powertools.asp
It is an excellent tool and there are other tools there you can use in
conjuction with it like the Countdown Timer.
You could set up a login script on the remote machine so when anyone logs in
it sends you the e-mail.
Just a thought.
Tom

 

[Sooner Al]

Look at No-IP.com which maps an alias (usually of your choice) to a DHCP assigned IP address. A
small program runs on your PC and contacts the No-IP.com servers on a periodic basis. The server
then maps the IP of your PC to the alias and propagates that over the public internet. It works very
well for me and its FREE.... Go to http://www.no-ip.com for help. Additional like services, some
FREE and some $$$$, can be found on this page...

http://www.remotenetworktechnology.com/ow.asp?Remote_Network_Home/Connections

--
Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows Networking)

Please post *ALL* questions and replies to the news group for the mutual benefit of all of us...
The MS MVP Program - http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights...

 

[Tom]

Looks good - but one thing to remember, just like the folks at No-IP.com
say - your IP is available to EVERYONE. So just make sure that's what you
want.
Tom

 

[Doug]

Thanks for all the suggestions, much appreciated!

--Doug.