How to run a DHCP Server on Windows XP?

Question

How can I create a DHCP server in a Windows XP environment?

Solution 1

Typically you'd have a Windows Server box doing DHCP addressing, but if you wish to set it up on XP you'll need some additional software. I've used Dual DHCP DNS Server in the past. It's 100% free and can act as a DNS server as well if you need it.

Solution 2

If your Windows XP network has a Cable or DSL router on it you may already have a DHCP server though it might not be enabled. Other software solutions work well but they require that the computer hosting the DHCP service be switch on all the time. A cheap router with a DHCP service (most consumer routers do have DHCP services) in firmware may be a better answer.

Solution 3

Windows XP has a DHCP server built in (it just isn't enabled). To enable it you will need to tweak the 'IpEnableRouter' option in regedit (google 'IPEnableRouter'). Works perfectly and so little fuss. I haven't yet found ANYTHING in Windows Server 2003 which isn't present in Windows XP SP3 but hidden away.

Solution 4

Tiny DHCP Server works quite well.

Solution 5

TFTPD32 has DHCP Server built in

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Comments

[pavsaund]

Windows internet connection sharing could also solve the matter at hand, as an alternative to running a DHCP server

[Petesh]

I presume it's a DHCP server so you can do more than just supply IP addresses - e.g. to perform netbooting of remote systems?

[Canadian Luke]

Can you describe the instructions, as opposed to just saying "Google it"?