How To Change Mac Addresses

In the networking MAC stands for the Media Access Control Address. It is an identifier is allocated by the manufacturer to network adapters or NICs (Network Interface Card) for identification. It is used in MAC protocol sub-layer. Every Ethernet card has a built in MAC addresses but sometimes you want to change your MAC address according to your will. The process of changing the MAC address is different for each operating system.

Now we will give you the methods of changing MAC addresses in different operating systems:

1.    Microsoft Windows

In windows MAC address is stored in the register key. To change the MAC addresses locate that key with the command “regedit” and change it. In Windows XP MAC address can be changed by using the option of change the MAC address on network cards under the advanced tab in the network adapter's Properties menu. You can also use software for this purpose which is much more reliable and better.

We can also spoof MAC addresses in windows by using the utility of MACSHIFT.

2.    FreeBSD

You can change your MAC address In FreeBSD by using the command of “ifconfig <interface> link <address>”.

3.    Linux

In Linux you can change your MAC address with the command “ifconfig <interface> hw <class> <address>”.

4.    Solaris

In Solaris MAC address are changed with the “ifconfig <interface> <ether> <address>” command.

5.    OpenBSD

You cannot change the MAC address in OpenBSD, but it is possible to change the MAC address in OpenBSD if you use sea.c

6.    HP-UX

In HP-UX the MAC address is changes in SAM by selecting Networking and Communications, then selecting the interface, then Action, Modify, Advanced Options. In HP-UX MAC addresses are known as the station addresses.

7.    Changing a MAC Address in Hardware

In hardware Speed Demon Adapters sells network cards which have the ability to change the MAC address stored in their EERPROM.