When it comes to configuring TCP/IP addressing on multiple computers, one of the most efficient methods is to install the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) service on a computer running Windows Server 2003. The DHCP service will automatically assign IP addresses to your computers on the network with little intervention.

If you plan to use DHCP, you must install the service using the Add or Remove Programs applet within the Control Panel. You can then proceed to complete the steps below to have a fully functioning DHCP server on the network.

1. Start by selecting the DHCP server in the left pane of the DHCP console.
2. Create a new scope by clicking Action | New Scope.
3. When the New Scope Wizard appears, click Next to continue.
4. Type in a name and optional description for the scope and click Next.
5. Type in the start and end IP addresses to define the range of IP addresses in the scope. Click Next.
6. Type in the IP addresses you want to exclude from the scope and click Add. Repeat this step if necessary. Click Next.
7. Use the arrows to increase or decrease the lease duration for the scope. Click Next.
8. To configure DHCP Options, click Next. Alternatively, they can be configured later by selecting No, I will configure these options later.
9. Type in the IP address of the default gateway and click Add. Repeat the process for additional routers. Click Next.
10. Specify the DNS information for the scope including the name and IP address of any DNS servers. Click Next.
11. Enter in the name and IP address of the WINS server and click Add. Repeat this step if there are multiple WINS servers. Click Next to continue.
12. Click Next to activate the scope. Conversely, you can select No, I will activate this scope later.
13. Click Finish to complete the New Scope Wizard.
14. The new scope will now appear in the right pane of the DHCP console under Contents of DHCP Server.

[tags]dhcp, windows server 2003, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol , configure[/tags]