Net Tip: Remotely Change Static IP to DHCP

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The occasion may arise that you may want to change a remote machine on your network from a static IP to a dynamic one (DHCP), or vice versa. Assuming you have Administrator rights, you can do so without leaving your desk through the following means:

  • Run regedt32. (You could also use regedit, but for these purposes the regedt32 interface is easier.)
  • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionNetworkCards1 and record the ServiceName value. (Depending on circumstances, you may need to record from a different card.)
  • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEM
    CurrentControlSetServices[ServiceName]ParametersTCPIP
    ([ServiceName]
    is the name you recorded in the previous step.)
  • Change the values of EnableDHCP to 1 and IPAddress And SubnetMask to 0.0.0.0.
  • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesDHCP and change the Start value to 2.

You can reverse this procedure as well, but then the remote machine will require a reboot.


CrossNodes Net Tips are a new feature of crossnodes.com. If you have a networking tip or trick that you’d like to share, please submit it to the Managing Editor. There can be no financial remuneration, though we will place your byline upon request.

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