Display Your Quick Launch ToolbarTip:

Is your Quick Launch toolbar missing from the taskbar?
To display your familiar Quick Launch toolbar:
Right-click an empty area on the taskbar, click Toolbars, and then click Quick Launch.

Easy as that your Quick Launch bar appears. To add items to your Quick Launch toolbar, click the icon for the program you want to add, and drag it to the Quick Launch portion of the taskbar.

Dos Tricks and Shortcuts

Accessibility Controls
access.cpl

Add Hardware Wizard
hdwwiz.cpl

Add/Remove Programs
appwiz.cpl

Administrative Tools
control admintools

Automatic Updates
wuaucpl.cpl

Bluetooth Transfer Wizard
fsquirt

Calculator
calc

Certificate Manager
certmgr.msc

Character Map
charmap

Check Disk Utility
chkdsk

Clipboard Viewer
clipbrd

Command Prompt
cmd

Component Services
dcomcnfg

Computer Management
compmgmt.msc

timedate.cpl
ddeshare

Device Manager
devmgmt.msc

Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)*
directx.cpl

Direct X Troubleshooter
dxdiag

Disk Cleanup Utility
cleanmgr

Disk Defragment
dfrg.msc

Disk Management
diskmgmt.msc

Disk Partition Manager
diskpart

Display Properties
control desktop

Display Properties
desk.cpl

Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected)
control color

Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility
drwtsn32

Driver Verifier Utility
verifier

Event Viewer
eventvwr.msc

File Signature Verification Tool
sigverif

Findfast
findfast.cpl

Folders Properties
control folders

Fonts
control fonts

Fonts Folder
fonts

Free Cell Card Game
freecell

Game Controllers
joy.cpl

Group Policy Editor (XP Prof)
gpedit.msc

Hearts Card Game
mshearts

Iexpress Wizard
iexpress

Indexing Service
ciadv.msc

Internet Properties
inetcpl.cpl

IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration)
ipconfig /all

IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents)
ipconfig /displaydns

IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents)
ipconfig /flushdns

IP Configuration (Release All Connections)
ipconfig /release

IP Configuration (Renew All Connections)
ipconfig /renew

IP Configuration (Refreshes DHCP & Re-Registers DNS)
ipconfig /registerdns

IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID)
ipconfig /showclassid

IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID)
ipconfig /setclassid

Java Control Panel (If Installed)
jpicpl32.cpl

Java Control Panel (If Installed)
javaws

Keyboard Properties
control keyboard

Local Security Settings
secpol.msc

Local Users and Groups
lusrmgr.msc

Logs You Out Of Windows
logoff

Microsoft Chat
winchat

Minesweeper Game
winmine

Mouse Properties
control mouse

Mouse Properties
main.cpl

Network Connections
control netconnections

Network Connections
ncpa.cpl

Network Setup Wizard
netsetup.cpl

Notepad
notepad

Nview Desktop Manager (If Installed)
nvtuicpl.cpl

Object Packager
packager

ODBC Data Source Administrator
odbccp32.cpl

On Screen Keyboard
osk

Opens AC3 Filter (If Installed)
ac3filter.cpl

Password Properties
password.cpl

Performance Monitor
perfmon.msc

Performance Monitor
perfmon

Phone and Modem Options
telephon.cpl

Power Configuration
powercfg.cpl

Printers and Faxes
control printers

Printers Folder
printers

Private Character Editor
eudcedit

Quicktime (If Installed)
QuickTime.cpl

Regional Settings
intl.cpl

Registry Editor
regedit

Registry Editor
regedit32

Remote Desktop
mstsc

Removable Storage
ntmsmgr.msc

Removable Storage Operator Requests
ntmsoprq.msc

Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof)
rsop.msc

Scanners and Cameras
sticpl.cpl

Scheduled Tasks
control schedtasks

Security Center
wscui.cpl

Services
services.msc

Shared Folders
fsmgmt.msc

Shuts Down Windows
shutdown

Sounds and Audio
mmsys.cpl

Spider Solitare Card Game
spider

SQL Client Configuration
cliconfg

System Configuration Editor
sysedit

System Configuration Utility
msconfig

System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately)
sfc /scannow

System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot)
sfc /scanonce

System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot)
sfc /scanboot

System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting)
sfc /revert

System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache)
sfc /purgecache

System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x)
sfc /cachesize=x

System Properties
sysdm.cpl

Task Manager
taskmgr

Telnet Client
telnet

User Account Management
nusrmgr.cpl

Utility Manager
utilman

Windows Firewall
firewall.cpl

Windows Magnifier
magnify

Windows Management Infrastructure
wmimgmt.msc

Windows System Security Tool
syskey

Windows Update Launches
wupdmgr

Windows XP Tour Wizard
tourstart

Wordpad
write

Run line commands can be very useful some times, its better to know them here are all the commands that i know u might find them usefull too Commands are same for Windows xp pro and home

Run Line Commands

These are GUI applications that can be opened from the run line.
These applications are not located in the C:\windows\system32\ directory, the
keys for these applications are located in the registry under:
HKLM\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\app paths
BCKGZM.EXE - Backgammon
CHKRZM.EXE - Checkers
CONF.EXE - NetMeeting
DIALER.EXE - Phone Dialer
HELPCTR.EXE - Help and Support
HRTZZM.EXE - Internet Hearts
HYPERTRM.EXE - HyperTerminal
ICWCONN1.EXE - Internet Connection Wizard
IEXPLORE.EXE - Internet Explorer
INETWIZ.EXE - Setup Your Internet Connection
INSTALL.EXE - User's Folder
MIGWIZ.EXE - File and Settings Transfer Wizard
MOVIEMK.EXE - Windows Movie Maker
MPLAYER2.EXE - Windows Media Player Version 6.4.09.1120
MSCONFIG.EXE - System Configuration Utility
MSIMN.EXE - Outlook Express
MSINFO32.EXE - System Information
MSMSGS.EXE - Windows Messenger
MSN6.EXE - MSN Explorer
PBRUSH.EXE - Paint
PINBALL.EXE - Pinball
RVSEZM.EXE - Reversi
SHVLZM.EXE - Spades
TABLE30.EXE - User's Folder
WAB.EXE - Windows Address Book
WABMIG.EXE - Address Book Import Tool
WINNT32.EXE - User's Folder
WMPLAYER.EXE - Windows Media Player
WRITE.EXE - Wordpad

These .EXE files reside in (c:\windows\system32\) or (c:\windows\) directory.
ACCWIZ.EXE - Accessibility Wizard
CALC.EXE - Calculator
CHARMAP.EXE - Character Map
CLEANMGR.EXE - Disk Space Cleanup Manager
CLICONFG.EXE - SQL Client Configuration Utility
CLIPBRD.EXE - Clipbook Viewer
CLSPACK.EXE - Class Package Export Tool
CMD.EXE - Command Line
CMSTP.EXE - Connection Manager Profile Installer
CONTROL.EXE - Control Panel
DCOMCNFG.EXE - Component Services
DDESHARE.EXE - DDE Share
DRWATSON.EXE - Doctor Watson v1.00b
DRWTSN32.EXE - Doctor Watson Settings
DVDPLAY.EXE - DVD Player
DXDIAG.EXE - DirectX Diagnostics
EUDCEDIT.EXE - Private Character Editor
EVENTVWR.EXE - Event Viewer
EXPLORER.EXE - Windows Explorer
FREECELL.EXE - Free Cell
FXSCLNT.EXE - Fax Console
FXSCOVER.EXE - Fax Cover Page Editor
FXSEND.EXE - MS Fax Send Note Utility
IEXPRESS.EXE - IExpress 2.0
LOGOFF.EXE - System Logoff
MAGNIFY.EXE - Microsoft Magnifier
MMC.EXE - Microsoft Management Console
MOBSYNC.EXE - Microsoft Synchronization Manager
MPLAY32.EXE - Windows Media Player version 5.1
MSHEARTS.EXE - Hearts
MSPAINT.EXE - Paint
MSTSC.EXE - Remote Desktop Connection
NARRATOR.EXE - Microsoft Narrator
NETSETUP.EXE - Network Setup Wizard
NOTEPAD.EXE - Notepad
NSLOOKUP.EXE - NSLookup Application
NTSD.EXE - Symbolic Debugger for Windows 2000
ODBCAD32.EXE - ODBC Data Source Administrator
OSK.EXE - On Screen Keyboard
OSUNINST.EXE - Windows Uninstall Utility
PACKAGER.EXE - Object Packager
PERFMON.EXE - Performance Monitor
PROGMAN.EXE - Program Manager
RASPHONE.EXE - Remote Access Phonebook
REGEDIT.EXE - Registry Editor
REGEDT32.EXE - Registry Editor
RESET.EXE - Resets Session
RSTRUI.EXE - System Restore
RTCSHARE.EXE - RTC Application Sharing
SFC.EXE - System File Checker
SHRPUBW.EXE - Create Shared Folder
SHUTDOWN.EXE - System Shutdown
SIGVERIF.EXE - File Signature Verification
SNDREC32.EXE - Sound Recorder
SNDVOL32.EXE - Sound Volume
SOL.EXE - Solitaire

SPIDER.EXE - Spider Solitaire
SYNCAPP.EXE - Create A Briefcase
SYSEDIT.EXE - System Configuration Editor
SYSKEY.EXE - SAM Lock Tool
TASKMGR.EXE - Task Manager
TELNET.EXE - MS Telnet Client
TSSHUTDN.EXE - System Shutdown
TOURSTART.EXE - Windows Tour Launcher
UTILMAN.EXE - System Utility Manager
USERINIT.EXE - My Documents
VERIFIER.EXE - Driver Verifier Manager
WIAACMGR.EXE - Scanner and Camera Wizard
WINCHAT.EXE - Windows for Workgroups Chat
WINHELP.EXE - Windows Help Engine
WINHLP32.EXE - Help
WINMINE.EXE - Minesweeper
WINVER.EXE - Windows Version Information
WRITE.EXE - WordPad
WSCRIPT.EXE - Windows Script Host Settings
WUPDMGR.EXE - Windows Update

The following are Control Panel applets that can be run from the run line.
They are located in the c:\windows\system32 directory, and have the file type
extension ".CPL".
ACCESS.CPL - Accessibility Options
APPWIZ.CPL - Add or Remove Programs
DESK.CPL - Display Properties
HDWWIZ.CPL - Add Hardware Wizard
INETCPL.CPL - Internet Explorer Properties
INTL.CPL - Regional and Language Options
JOY.CPL - Game Controllers
MAIN.CPL - Mouse Properties
MMSYS.CPL - Sounds and Audio Device Properties
NCPA.CPL - Network Connections
NUSRMGR.CPL - User Accounts
ODBCCP32.CPL - ODBC Data Source Administrator
POWERCFG.CPL - Power Options Properties
SYSDM.CPL - System Properties
TELEPHON.CPL - Phone and Modem Options
TIMEDATE.CPL - Date and Time Properties
The following are Microsoft Management Console Snap-ins that can be opened from
the run line. These applications have the file type extension ".MSC".
CERTMGR.MSC - Certificates
CIADV.MSC - Indexing Service
COMPMGMT.MSC - Computer Management
DEVMGMT.MSC - Device Manager
DFRG.MSC - Disk Defragmenter
DISKMGMT.MSC - Disk Management
EVENTVWR.MSC - Event Viewer
FSMGMT.MSC - Shared Folders
LUSRMGR.MSC - Local Users and Groups
NTMSMGR.MSC - Removable Storage
NTMSOPRQ.MSC - Removable Storage Operator Requests
PERFMON.MSC - Performance Monitor
SERVICES.MSC - Services
WMIMGMT.MSC - Windows Management Infrastructure




Calculation on command Prompt ! u knew dis???

The command processor CMD.EXE comes with a mini-calculator that can perform simple arithmetic on 32-bit signed integers:

C:\>set /a 2+2
4
C:\>set /a 2*(9/2)
8
C:\>set /a (2*9)/2
9
C:\>set /a "31>>2"
7

Note that we had to quote the shift operator since it would otherwise be misinterpreted as a "redirect stdout and append" operator.

For more information, type set /? at the command prompt.

Definitions

Connector :
Definition: A connector is a software component that is designed to support connections between software.

Critical Update :
Definition: A critical update is a broadly released fix for a specific problem that addresses a critical, non-security-related bug.Additional information: Critical updates are available for customers to download and are accompanied by a Microsoft Knowledge Base article.

Development Kit :
Definition: A development kit is software that is designed to help developers write new programs. Development kits typically include a visual builder, an editor, and a compiler.

Driver :
Definition: A driver is a software component that is designed to support new hardware.

Feature Pack :
Definition: A feature pack is new product functionality that is first distributed outside the context of a product release and that is typically included in the next full product release.

Guidance :
Definition: Guidance includes scripts, sample code, and technical documentation that is designed to help deploy and use a product or a technology.

Hotfix:
Definition: A hotfix is a single, cumulative package that includes one or more files that are used to address a problem in a product and are cumulative at the binary and file level. A hotfix addresses a specific customer situation and may not be distributed outside the customer's organization.Additional information: Hotfixes are distributed by Microsoft Customer Service and Support. Customers may not redistribute hotfixes without written, legal consent from Microsoft.

Security Update :
Definition: A security update is a widely released fix for a product-specific, security-related vulnerability. Security vulnerabilities are rated based on their severity. The severity rating is indicated in the Microsoft security bulletin as critical, important, moderate, or low.Additional information: Microsoft security updates are available for customers to download and are accompanied by two documents: a security bulletin and a Microsoft Knowledge Base article. For more information about the format of Microsoft Knowledge Base articles for Microsoft security updates,

Service Pack :
Definition: A service pack is a tested, cumulative set of all hotfixes, security updates, critical updates, and updates. Service packs may also contain additional fixes for problems that are found internally since the release of the product and a limited number of customer-requested design changes or features.Additional information: Microsoft service packs are available for download and are accompanied by a Microsoft Knowledge Base article.

Software Update :
Definition: A software update is any update, update rollup, service pack, feature pack, critical update, security update, or hotfix that is used to improve or to fix a software product that is released by Microsoft Corporation.

Tool :
Definition: A tool is a utility or a feature that helps to complete a task or a set of tasks.

Update :
Definition: An update is a widely released fix for a specific problem. An update addresses a noncritical, non-security-related bug.Additional information: Microsoft updates are available for customers to download and are accompanied by a Microsoft Knowledge Base article.

Update Rollup :
Definition: An update rollup is a tested, cumulative set of hotfixes, security updates, critical updates, and updates that are packaged together for easy deployment. A rollup generally targets a specific area, such as security, or a component of a product, such as Internet Information Services (IIS).Additional information: Microsoft update rollups are available for customers to download and are accompanied by a Microsoft Knowledge Base article. Customers may not redistribute update rollups without written, legal consent from Microsoft.

Upgrade :
Definition: An upgrade is a software package that replaces an installed version of a product with a newer version of the same product. The upgrade process typically leaves existing customer data and preferences intact while replacing the existing software with the newer version

VBScript to Display Logical Disk Information

Instructions for your Logical Disk Information WMI Script

Copy and paste the example script below into notepad or a VBScript editor.
Decide which machine on your network to interrogate and then change line 10:
strComputer = "NetworkMachine" to the name of that machine. Alternatively change strComputer to the local machine by substituting a period or "." strComputer = "."
Save the file with a .vbs extension, for example: LogicalDisk.vbs
Double click LogicalDisk.vbs and check the properties of each partition.

Script to Interrogate Logical Disk

' LogicalDisk.vbs
' Sample VBScript to interrogate a Logical disk with WMI
' Author Guy Thomas http://computerperformance.co.uk/
' Version 1.8 - November 2005
' -------------------------------------------------------------'
Option Explicit
Dim objWMIService, objItem, colItems, strComputer

On Error Resume Next
strComputer = "."

Set objWMIService = GetObject _
("winmgmts:\\" & strComputer & "\root\cimv2")
Set colItems = objWMIService.ExecQuery _
("Select * from Win32_LogicalDisk")

For Each objItem in colItems
Wscript.Echo "Computer: " & objItem.SystemName & VbCr & _
" ==================================" & VbCr & _
"Drive Letter: " & objItem.Name & vbCr & _
"Description: " & objItem.Description & vbCr & _
"Volume Name: " & objItem.VolumeName & vbCr & _
"Drive Type: " & objItem.DriveType & vbCr & _
"Media Type: " & objItem.MediaType & vbCr & _
"VolumeSerialNumber: " & objItem.VolumeSerialNumber & vbCr & _
"Size: " & Int(objItem.Size /1073741824) & " GB" & vbCr & _
"Free Space: " & Int(objItem.FreeSpace /1073741824) & _
" GB" & vbCr & _
"Quotas Disabled: " & objItem.QuotasDisabled & vbCr & _
"Supports DiskQuotas: " & objItem.SupportsDiskQuotas & vbCr & _
"Supports FileBasedCompression: " & _
objItem.SupportsFileBasedCompression & vbCr & _
"Compressed: " & objItem.Compressed & vbCr & _
""
Next

WSCript.Quit

' End of Sample DiskDrive VBScript

Cross Cable

This picture shows the wiring of a cross cable

Windows 2003 Active Directory Setup:dcpromo

Windows 2003 Active Directory Setup:dcpromo

Now that we have setup Windows Server 2003 on our virtual machine, and we have patched it with SP2, Installed an Antivirus and setup DNS, is time now to setup active directory using dcpromo. Read about how to install and configure DNS on Windows Server 2003 from my previous post.

Setting up active directory using the run command dcpromo is a straightforward procedure. To begin, from your windows 2003 server desktop go to Start click on Run and type dcpromo and hit Enter.


The “Welcome to the Active Directory Installation Wizard” should come up:





Click on Next. On the following window, you will get a warning about comparability issues with other Operating Systems. Improve security settings in Windows Server 2003 affect older versions of windows:





After reading and thinking about consequences, click Next. On the next screen, you will get two options. The first option asks you if you want the server to become a domain controller for a new domain or if you want the server to be an additional domain controller for for an existing domain:



Select the first option and click Next. On the next window, you will get three options. the first option is to setup the domain in a new forest. Select this option if its the first domain controller on your organization, or if you want it to be totally independent from any forest.

Option two: Child domain in an existing domain tree. select this option if you want the domain to be a child domain from an existing domain. option three: Domain tree in an existing forest. if you don’t want any of the above, select this option.





In our case, choose the first option, and click Next. On the next screen, we need to type the full DNS name for the new domain:



Type the full DNS name like helpdeskgeek.com, and click on Next. On the next screen, we need to choose the NETBIOS name. This is the name earlier version of windows users will be using to identify the new domain.





Choose the name, and click Next. On the next screen, you need to select the location of where you want to store the database and log files. for best performance store them in separate disks



Choose the location where you want the active directory database and logs, and click Next.

Next, the Shared system volume window will come up. here, you need to choose the location on where you want to store the SYSVOL files. this folder contains the domain public files and are replicated to all the domain controllers in the domain.





Choose the folder location, and click Next. On the next window, the DNS registration diagnostic will show up. in here most likely you will get ” Diagnostic failed” and will give you three options. First option: it will allow you to perform the DNS diagnostic again,if you have corrected the problem.

Option two: it gives you the option to allow the active directory wizard to install and configure DNS for you, and use this DNS as the primary DNS for this server. third option, it allows you to bypass this window if you plan to correct the problem later on.





Even though we have already installed DNS on this server, we have not configure any of its services, so we will choose the option to Install and configure DNS server on this computer and set this computer to use this DNS server as its preferred DNS server. then click Next.

On the next window, you need to choose what type or permissions you want for users and group objects. Here you will get two options. the first options: select this option if you run server programs with pre-windows 2000. option two: select this option, if you only run windows servers 2000 and windows servers 2003 on your domain.





Select the second option, and click Next. On the next window, you need to enter the Directory services restore mode administrator password. This password is used when you start the computer in directory services restore mode. This account is different from the domain administrator account.





Type your chosen password, and click Next. Next, you will get the summary of all the options you have chosen during the active directory wizard. remember, the domain administrator account password is the same as the current local administrator password.



Click Next. the active directory installation should begin.



Some serious configuration processes going here. After a few minutes, active directory should be installed.





Click on Finish. and restart the computer. Active Directory should be now installed.

Windows 2003 Active Directory Setup:dcpromo

Install and Configure DNS on Windows Server 2003

Now that we have Windows Server 2003 patched with SP2 and with an Antivirus, is time to do the preparation to setup active directory for our domain controller in our testing network. you can read about our previous posts here “Free antivirus for windows server 2003“ and “Installing Windows Server 2003 on a VMware server.

Before we run the dcpromo wizard, it is recommended that we setup DNS first to avoid any issue with DNS while setting up active directory. so we will install DNS now.


From your Windows Server 2003 desktop click on Start>Control Panel>Add or Remove Programs:





The add and remove programs window should come up. Click on Add/Remove Windows Components:





The Windows Components Wizard should come up. Scroll down, and select “Network Services” and click on Details:





Check Domain Name System (DNS) from the first option:





Click on OK, and then click on Next in the wizard window. The installation of DNS should start.

if your Server is setup with dynamic IP address, you will get this warning at the middle of the installation:





Click on the OK button. The Local Area Connection Properties window will come up to setup the static IP address.select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on properties.





The TCP/IP Properties windows will come up. type the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS. by typing IPconfig /all on the command prompt you can get this information the server is currently using. remember you need to exclude this IP address from the DHCP server on the router:





Click on the OK button. After this, the DNS installation should finish.

DHCP server in Windows 2003

The DHCP server assigns a client an IP address taken from a predefined scope for a given amount of time. If an IP address is required for longer than the lease has been set for, the client must request an extension before the lease expires. If the client has not requested an extension on the lease time, the IP address will be considered free and can be assigned to another client. If the user wishes to change IP address then they can do so by typing "ipconfig /release", followed by "ipconfig /renew" in the command prompt. This will remove the current IP address and request a new one. Reservations can be defined on the DHCP server to allow certain clients to have their own IP address (this will be discussed a little later on). Addresses can be reserved for a MAC address or a host name so these clients will have a fixed IP address that is configured automatically. Most Internet Service Providers use DHCP to assign new IP addresses to client computers when a customer connects to the internet - this simplifies things at user level.

The above diagram diplays a simple structure consisting of a DHCP server and a number of client computers on a network.

The DHCP Server itself contains an IP Address Database which holds all the IP addresses available for distribution. If the client (a member of the network with a Windows 2000 Professional/XP operating system, for example) has "obtain an IP address automatically" enabled in TCP/IP settings, then it is able to receive an IP address from the DHCP server.

Setting up a DHCP Server :

This will serve as a step-by-step guide on how to setup a DHCP server.
Installing the DHCP server is made quite easy in Windows 2003. By using the "Manage your server" wizard, you are able to enter the details you require and have the wizard set the basics for you. Open to "Manage your server" wizard, select the DHCP server option for the list of server roles and press Next.
You will be asked to enter the name and description of your scope.

Scope: A scope is a collection of IP addresses for computers on a subnet that use DHCP.

The next window will ask you to define the range of addresses that the scope will distribute across the network and the subnet mask for the IP address. Enter the appropriate details and click next.

You are shown a window in which you must add any exclusions to the range of IP addresses you specified in the previous window. If for example, the IP address 10.0.0.150 is that of the company router then you won't want the DHCP server to be able to distribute that address as well. In this example I have excluded a range of IP addresses, 10.0.0.100 to 10.0.0.110, and a single address, 10.0.0.150. In this case, eleven IP's will be reserved and not distributed amongst the network clients.

It is now time to set the lease duration for how long a client can use an IP address assigned to it from this scope. It is recommended to add longer leases for a fixed network (in the office for example) and shorter leases for remote connections or laptop computers. In this example I have set a lease duration of twelve hours since the network clients would be a fixed desktop computer in a local office and the usual working time is eight hours.

You are given a choice of whether or not you wish to configure the DHCP options for the scope now or later. If you choose Yes then the upcoming screenshots will be of use to you. Choosing No will allow you to configure these options at a later stage.

The router, or gateway, IP address may be entered in next. The client computers will then know which router to use.

In the following window, the DNS and domain name settings can be entered. The DNS server IP address will be distributed by the DHCP server and given to the client

If you have WINS setup then here is where to enter the IP Address of the WINS server. You can just input the server name into the appropriate box and press "Resolve" to allow it to find the IP address itself.

The last step is to activate the scope - just press next when you see the window below. The DHCP server will not work unless you do this.

The DHCP server has now been installed with the basic settings in place. The next stage is to configure it to the needs of your network structure.

Configuring a DHCP server
Hereunder is a simple explanation of how to configure a DHCP server.

The address pool displays a list of IP ranges assigned for distribution and IP address exclusions. You are able to add an exclusion by right clicking the address pool text on the left hand side of the mmc window and selecting "new exclusion range". This will bring up a window (as seen below) which will allow you to enter an address range to be added. Entering only the start IP will add a single IP address.

DHCP servers permit you to reserve an IP address for a client. This means that the specific network client will have the same IP for as long as you wanted it to. To do this you will have to know the physical address (MAC) of each network card. Enter the reservation name, desired IP address, MAC address and description - choose whether you want to support DHCP or BOOTP and press add. The new reservation will be added to the list. As an example, I have reserved an IP address (10.0.0.115) for a client computer called Andrew.




If you right click scope options and press "configure options" you will be taken to a window in which you can configure more servers and their parameters. These settings will be distributed by the DHCP server along with the IP address. Server options act as a default for all the scopes in the DHCP server. However, scope options take preference over server options.

In my opinion, the DHCP server in Windows 2003 is excellent! It has been improved from the Windows 2000 version and is classified as essential for large networks. Imagine having to configure each and every client manually - it would take up a lot of time and require far more troubleshooting if a problem was to arise. Before touching any settings related to DHCP, it is best to make a plan of your network and think about the range of IPs to use for the computers.

Windows XP Installation