Member Avatar for cguan_77

Hi guys, if DHCP server failing to assign IP Address to the workstation, what could be the problem? any idea is greatly appreciated...

I tried IPCONFIG /RENEW on a workstation but it fails..

If i tried to manually configure the IP settings on TCP-IP workstation can connect to internet..

But if I set the TCP-IP settings to "Obtain Automatically IP Address" it fails...

OS:WIN2K3

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Dani AI

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Given 's observation that clients work with a static IP but fail to obtain one automatically, the problem is almost certainly in the DHCP exchange (client DISCOVER -> server OFFER -> client REQUEST -> server ACK) or in the network path between client and server. In addition to the ideas from , and , run the following focused checks to isolate the fault.

  • Verify basic reachability: keep one workstation on a working static IP and ping the DHCP server IP. If the server is not reachable from that client, the issue is a network path (switch/VLAN/router) or the server IP changed.
  • Capture the DHCP handshake with a packet sniffer (Wireshark) while doing ipconfig /renew. Use the display filter udp.port==67 or udp.port==68 (or bootp). Expected: you should see a DHCPDISCOVER from the client and a DHCPOFFER from the server. No OFFER = server not responding; OFFER from an unexpected IP/MAC = rogue DHCP server.
  • On the DHCP server, confirm the DHCP Server service state and check Application/System event logs for DHCP-related errors or database messages (timestamps matching the client attempts). For domain-joined Windows Server 2003, also confirm the server is authorized in Active Directory via the DHCP MMC.
  • Inspect scope configuration: scope subnet/mask, excluded ranges, reservations and current lease count. Verify the server’s own IP lies in the subnet the scope is intended to serve.
  • If event logs show database corruption, follow Microsoft guidance to restore or repair the DHCP database (backup first; use the Jetpack repair tool or restore a known good backup).

Common outcomes and next steps: if a packet capture shows OFFERs from the correct server but clients ignore them, look at client NIC drivers, switch port security, VLAN tagging or DHCP relay issues. If no OFFERS are seen, isolate the server by connecting a test client to the same switch as the server to determine whether the problem is server-local or network-wide.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for sparkax

This may be an issue with the Firewall.

Member Avatar for jbennet

Has the server run out of addresses?
How big is the scope?

Member Avatar for cguan_77


i don't think it run out of addresses, because we got a few workstation only.. about 20 workstation only...

it started with one workstation suddenly cannot renew an ip ad..so what i did i manually set the settings at TCP-IP and able to work normally..

then one day all the workstation suddenly cannot go internet...

this could be an issue of a virus or what?


firewall issue on the server? i don't think so

Member Avatar for jbennet

Try restarting the DHCP service on the server?

Member Avatar for uthman4u2nv

Hi guys, if DHCP server failing to assign IP Address to the workstation, what could be the problem? any idea is greatly appreciated...

I tried IPCONFIG /RENEW on a workstation but it fails..

If i tried to manually configure the IP settings on TCP-IP workstation can connect to internet..

But if I set the TCP-IP settings to "Obtain Automatically IP Address" it fails...

OS:WIN2K3

the problem might not be your system, it might be as a result of improperly configured DHCP server, contact your network administrator

Member Avatar for cguan_77

Try restarting the DHCP service on the server?

thanks jbennet..i'll try it...let you know once i've done it...

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