Configuring Client Behavior When a DHCP Server Is Not Available

By default, computers running Windows that are configured to receive a DHCP address will assign a random APIPA address if they are unable to connect to a DHCP server. However, you can change this behavior to allow a computer to have a specific static IP address when connected to your internal network (assuming your network lacks a DHCP server) but still acquire a DHCP-assigned IP address when connected to other networks. This is ideal for mobile computers that need static IP addresses.

To Assign the Computer a Static IP Address When a DHCP Server Is Not Available:

1. Click Start, right-click Network, and then click Properties.

2. Under Tasks, click Manage Network Connections.

3. Right-click the network adapter you want to configure, and then click Properties.

4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), and then click Properties. The Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties dialog box appears.

5. On the Alternate Configuration tab, select User Configured. Type the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS server addresses, and WINS server addresses.

6. If you need to configure more than two DNS servers or a WINS server, click the General tab, click Advanced, and then make the necessary configuration. Click OK.