When it was working, I should have left alone.  Don't we say, "If it ain't
broke, don't fix it!"  Well, I did and it don't.

The problem is that the two commands I use to get my IP address no longer
work.  When I type "ipconfig" or "winipcfg" in the "Run" block, I get either
a message to type information again or screen returns to the desktop.  Using
Windows XP, Home Edition.

Also, is there a way to set your IP address so that is always the same?

I also used the URL www.whatismyipaddress.com and get a number the router
refuses.

Hele, please!