How do you set a static ip address for vista?

Click on start Right click on "Network" and go to properties. That opens the "Network and Sharing Center". On the left hand column click on "Manage Network Connections."

This opens the Network Connections Window, it will list all of your NICs or Wireless Connections. Right click and go to properties of the connection you would like to statically assign. Select internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) and click properties. Now you will be able to enter in your IP, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, and DNS addresses and click OK. Close the Network Connections Window and you're running with your new IP.