Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol in Windows Server 2008



The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server is responsible for assigning IP addresses and options to devices on the network in need of network configuration. DHCP allocates IP configurations, including IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, DNS servers, WINS servers, WDS servers, TFTP servers, and boot filenames. Other IP options can be configured, depending on the organization’s needs.

These IP address scope properties and options are stored in the DHCP database. This database also stores the information concerning IP address leases and reservations. The DHCP database is backed up with a server System State backup, but it can also be backed up using the DHCP console.

To back up the DHCP database from the console, follow the below steps:

1. Log on to the Windows Server 2008 DHCP server system with an account with administrator privileges.

2. Click Start and then All Programs and then Administrative Tools and then select DHCP.

3. Double-click on the DHCP server to start the connection in the console.

4. Right-click on the DHCP server in the tree pane, and select Backup.

5. When the Browse for Folder window opens, it will default to the systemroot\System32\DHCP\Backup folder; click OK to accept this location and start the backup.

6. There will be no confirmation of a successful backup. To verify if a backup was completed, open the folder and check the date and time stamps of the subfolders and files. The default subfolder name will be New.

7. Log off of the DHCP server system.