Windows 7 - Static IP Settings for just one network connection?

According to my understanding, when i go to the network settings and tell it to use specified IP and DNS settings instead of using Automatically Assigned IPs, it sets that standard for ALL the wireless connections stored on my computer, and all the networks start using those IP settings.

Is it possible to set only one wireless or network profile to use this setting? For example, can i set my laptop to use manually assigned IPs on the office wireless, but use automatically assigned IPs in the home network? Am i even being clear with the question?

So the way I understand it you want the one PC to work on static and the other on dynamic IP, if so yes. The question is why do you need to run it this way?

no,its one laptop being used at two different locations. I need the office network to have static IPs because I have to enforce some firewall rules on that. But i don't want to go Home and change the network settings every day, and then back at the office and do the same thing. does that clarify?

Then you should just be able to setup the wireless using a static IP and your normal LAN using a dynamic. This can be done in your network CP by selecting the Wireless and connection and imputing the IP into it that you want it to use.

well, yes, but they're both wireless connections. now what?

I have another idea; when you set an IP to automatically assigned, a second tab should appear at the top labelled "Alternate Configuration". Set the alternate network address as "User Configured".

Essentially what this will do, is first attempt to contact the DHCP server and get an auto-assiged address, and if that fails it will attempt to connect with the alternate configuration (which you would have set manually).

At the same time though, the alternate configuration will only be used if a DHCP server is not found.. You say you want manually configured at work, and auto assign at home? Does your work network not have a DHCP server..?

Oh ok then I would go with what ZaLiTH said

thanks zal, this seems like a workable idea with some tweaking. the thing is, i need manual IPs in the office to be able to enforce some firewall rules on the network with SonicWall. it works like this. I tell it to NOT block access on certain static IPs, and tell it to block them on all the rest of the dynamic IP range. For that, i will limit the DHCP range to, for example, 192.168.1.51 - 192.168.1.254. and then i'll set static IPs manually from 192.168.1.2 - 192.168.1.50 to specific computers on the network. But with the current setup, when these people take their laptops back home, they will have to change the IP settings again to match those in their home wifis, and then back again when they are in the office. i want to avoid this switching, because it is a potential screwup in the network configuration, and i will need someone setting things up on a daily basis on every machine.

with your proposed solution, the first priority will be to DHCP, and the laptop will just take in the office and run with it lol. on the other hand, if i put manually in first, it still wont work when they get home. see the mess up? any suggestions?

This may also be something to look at, never tried it but have a look Free IP Switcher – Switch Network IP Between Different Network Settings

I see what you mean, unfortunately with the way Windows handles network addresses then, I think the IP address settings do need to be altered each time...

I would suggest trying the application that DirtRider mentioned in the previous post, that will allow he user to switch settings without having to manually enter the addresses each time.