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When I use dynamic IP with my Dell, can not get IP address

We have a rather large workgroup network (260 + users - don't ask!) with 2 Instagate routers one of which handles DHCP. Recently I have had 2 Dells that will not get a dynamically assigned IP. One is on an XP Pro laptop that needs it set for dynamic, the other is a clean install of XP Pro on a desktop. Set to dynamic they get 169 range (APIPA) addresses. Set to static addresses they connect no problem. Is this an issue with Dell drivers for the NIC or something more sinister? :) Our addresses are in the 10.XXX range with a 16 bit mask.

Rob Williams

Can easily be drivers as you suggested, but personally have never had Dell specific issues. Is the DHCP client service started and set to automatic ? Check the services management console on the problematic computers.

waqaswasib

if other pc on ur network are obtaining ip from dhcp then the problem is with the drivers of dell Nic . attach other nic not builtin a try wether it gets dynamic ip or not .
bye

CKWT

I would say
1.- Check the scope of your DHCP server and mabe setup an reservation for your MAC NIC.
2.- go into START>Run>services.msc and check that the dhcp client service is started. in the clean xp this should be fine.
3.- set a static and if have connection to Network then dont consider changing the card.. if even with a static IP cand have any network activity think on faulty card.

CKWT

e9zx

ASKER

I got the desktop going by turning on Routing and remote access....not sure why that worked, it also downloaded Windows updates last night. DHCP was runing in Services MMC. Went in on my day off to find out. Won't have acess to the laptop until Monday. I will test one thing at a time so I know what fixed it. Static IP on that one is not an option. It belongs to one of our salesman he he is on the road more than in the office.

CKWT

is a 2 minute test to set Static IP to make sure the NIC is working and can communicate..

CKWT

e9zx

ASKER

That is what I did after pursuing all the usual suspects....

"Set to dynamic they get 169 range (APIPA) addresses. Set to static addresses they connect no problem. Is this an issue with Dell drivers for the NIC or something more sinister? :) "

....can't understand why this is the only one of 260+ that can't get an IP dynamicly with a 16 bit subnet.

CKWT

Got it :)

try reserve your Ip from the NIC MAC on DHCP server. ie. remember you could set to have 10.10.1.0-254 but on DHCP only handout 0-128. Could a DHCP config overlooked?

hope could help

CKWT

Rob Williams

No chance your DHCP server has run out of IP's to assign? Is your scope large enough to handle 260 computers plus any outstanding leases? A standard subnet with a mask of 255.255.255.0 will only handle 254 devices, static and or DHCP, do you have multiple subnets or a larger mask, where you say you have 260 devices.

e9zx

ASKER

We use 10.100.***.*** though 10.120.***.*** with reservations for 50 (25-30 in use) printers and a couple gateways and 5 servers, tons of room...

Rob Williams

T'was just a thought.

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CKWT

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e9zx

ASKER

"The RRAS could of made DHCP worked if there was more than 1 service stopped that network depends on...and the RRAS activated it... To make sure compare services running on both PC."

Well, I compared services and it turns out when I disabled 'Background Intelligent Transfer Service' as was mine on my PC, I connected immediately. Not sure if it is related but when I questioned the user further this morning he told me he used the company laptop to set up his new Comcast broadband connection at home last week.
Glad it was only 5th on the list, not at the bottom!!! Thanks to all...

CKWT

Excellent... glad we can help

CKWT