Expanding the left side of the equation:

(2x+1)^2 = (2x+1)(2x+1) = 4x^2 + 2x + 2x + 1 = 4x^2 + 4x + 1

(2x-2)(2x+2) = 2x(2x) + 2x(2) - 2(2x) - 2(2) = 4x^2 + 4x - 4x - 4= 4x^2 - 4

Substitute back into the original equation:
4x^2 + 4x + 1 - (4x^2 - 4) = 17
4x^2 + 4x + 1 - 4x^2 + 4 = 17
4x + 5 = 17

Solving for x:
4x = 12
x = 3

Therefore, the solution is x=3.