the 169.* basicly means it hasnt been given the real 8*.* ntl network address from the network and windows has seen fit to give you that 169.* instead.
if you want to mess with your networking addresses (not for in-experienced pc users) then take a look at
PE Network Configurator
http://www.geocities.com/pierremounir/
as also found on the UBCD4Win livecd MSwindows maker.
very useful at times, and even the novice can use it to see thier network settings and will be safe as long as they dont change something they dont yet understand......
ohh and welcome.