Article ID: 942971 - Last Review: November 2, 2007 - Revision: 1.1

On a Windows Vista-based client computer, you cannot obtain an IP address or options from the DHCP server

On a Windows Vista-based client computer, you cannot obtain an IP address or options from the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. Instead, the computer uses an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) IP address.

Note This problem does not occur in Windows XP or in Microsoft Windows 2000.

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CAUSE

This problem occurs because the routing table in Windows Vista is more secure than the routing table in earlier versions of Windows. When the DHCP scope option for the default gateway has two entries that contain the same IP address, Windows Vista rejects the DHCP information.

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RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, modify the DHCP scope option for the default gateway to remove the duplicate IP address.

Note The DHCP scope option for the default gateway is 003 Router.

To modify the DHCP scope option for the default gateway, follow these steps:

Click Start, point to Programs, point to Administrative Tools, and then click DHCP.
Expand the scope for which you want to remove the duplicate IP address, right-click Scope Options, and then click Configure Options.
On the General tab, click 003 Router.
In the IP address box, delete the duplicate IP address, and then click OK.

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MORE INFORMATION

The Windows Vista-based client computer uses an APIPA IP address to discover, offer, accept, and request DHCP information. Windows Vista cannot accept two or more default gateways in the DHCP scope option if the default gateways have entries that contain the same IP address.

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