DHCP Changes in Windows Server 2003

As previously discussed, two improvements have been made to the functionality of DHCP in Windows Server 2003. These improvements allow for an increased level of functionality beyond the major improvements made in Windows 2000, but do not significantly change any design decisions that might have been made in Windows 2000 DHCP.

DHCP Database Backup and Restore Automation

The process of backing up all DHCP settings and restoring them onto the same (or a different) server has been streamlined in Windows Server 2003. No longer do you need to export Registry keys and manually move databases between servers to migrate DHCP because the Backup and Restore process can be accomplished directly from the MMC. The process for backing up and restoring a DHCP database is as follows :

1. Open the DHCP Manager by choosing Start, All Programs, Administrative Tools, DHCP.

2. Right-click the server name and choose Backup, as illustrated in Figure 13.24.

   Figure 13.24. Backing up a DHCP database.

   

3. Specify a location for the backup file and click OK. The backup files will then be saved into the location you chose.

4. If you plan to use a new server as the destination for the restore, move the backup files and subdirectories created to the new server and run the restore procedure as outlined here.

5. Open the DHCP Manager again by choosing Start, All Programs, Administrative Tools, DHCP.

6. Right-click the server name and choose Restore.

7. When you see a dialog box asking whether the service can be stopped and restarted, click Yes to continue. The service will be restarted, and the entire database and Registry will be restored.

DHCP Backup and Restore

The DHCP Backup and Restore process is extremely useful in migrating existing DHCP server configurations, scopes, and up-to-date lease information to new DHCP servers. However, because down-level (preWindows Server 2003) DHCP servers do not support automatic Backup and Restore, you will need to migrate from these servers by exporting and re-importing the DHCP Registry and manually moving the database files.

DHCP in the Windows XP Client

The DHCP client that is included in the Windows Server 2003 client equivalent, Windows XP, can have a static IP address assigned to clients when a DHCP server is unavailable. This static IP address takes the place of the APIPA address that would normally be configured in these cases.

This type of functionality would normally be used on mobile laptop computers that connect to different networks. When a user is at work, for example, his laptop would receive a DHCP address. When the user is at home, however, his laptop would use the backup static IP address defined in the network settings. To configure this functionality on a Windows XP client, perform the following steps:

1. Choose Start, Control Panel.

2. Double-click Network Connections.

3. Right-click the adapter in question and choose Properties.

4. Select TCP/IP and choose Properties.

5. Select the Alternate Configuration tab.

6. Enter the appropriate Static IP Information and click OK.

7. Click the Close button to shut down the property page.