"Another device on the network is using your computer’s IP address " even though there are no other devices using it.

LeroyDouglas - This was done as well - to no avail. The new ip would then come up in the message. Fing showed that it was still not being used anywhere else.

Linc Davis - well it wouldn't be much of a network then.......However I see your point. I'll have to wait until I have a chance to drop everything else on the network and give this a try. Sometimes it takes several hours for the message to come up. I'm trying also to see what I'm running at the time (program wise). I'll get back to you on this. Thanks

PS - is there a quick way to list all the currently running programs?

Ok this problem ended up being a conflict with a Direct TV on-demand web unit that was getting an IP from the cable system due to it being powered up prior to the router (research says this was common). I fixed it by turning everything off - DVR, On-demandTV unit, router, Wireless router - then booting them all up from the main router out towards the On-demand unit - one at a time. Apparently when it received a valid IP from the main router - it stopped receiving one from the cable connection - and thus had a now valid IP from the accessible pool - rather than just picking one at random. I'm not clear how it managed to get a duplicate from the same pool (if it knows the pool...then it should get a valid one from it?).....but this seems to have worked. I have not had a duplicate warning since this was performed.

Here's the post I found from a user on the direct TV web site:

Here's the reason you are getting IP conflicts.

When you activate a receiver without any router connection available, the system assigns a IP configuration to the box, independent of the user's home network. The boxes retain those settings so that later when you connect a router, the IP addresses frequently clash with one or more on the home network. There is a routine that will establish new IP for the boxes, in harmony with the network, but plugging and unplugging the W-CCK will only repeat the problem endlessly.

A power off reset is a reliable way to correct the IP problem.It must be done in this order.Before you begin, assure that DHCP is enabled on your router.Also confirm that your router has no MAC filtering or firewall enabled.This is essential.

1. Disconnect AC power from each DVR and Receiver

2. Disconnect power from the W-CCK wireless adapter.

3. Disconnect power from the SWM dish Power Inserter.

4. Disconnect then reconnect AC power on your router.

5. Wait a few minutes for the router to reset

6. Re-power the SWM Power Inserter.

7. Re-power the wireless adapter.

8. Re-power each DVR and Receiver

Following that, press and hold the info key, then select “more system info” and scroll down and confirm that Internet shows as connected.

Hope that helps someone.