Setting static IP addresses with Active Directory

[LittleNeutrino Veteran]

Is it possible for me to set up Static IP addresses for every computer on my domain simply from the Active Directory instead of having to go to every machine seperatly. Or would the easiest way to do this be to go to each machine and set up the Static IP then go to the next machine.

If it matters i am using Windows Server 2000 for my Active Directory Server.

[DaveLegg Developer]

I don't think you can do it via AD, but if you're running DHCP, either on your router, or on your server, you should be able to create address reservations through there, that will ensure that the PC will always pick up the same IP address each time it connects, which will result in essentially the same thing. This is definitely supported by the DHCP software on Windows Server, support directly on the router may vary.

[+BudMan MVC]

^ exactly.. If you want your machines to always have the same IP adress, the best option is to just setup reservations based on mac address in your dhcp server.

The initial setup is a pain, depends on how many machines your talking. If they have both wired and wireless interfaces that you would want to use the same address on, etc.

[Reb0ot]

Yeah its a shame Microsoft hasnt built a more friendly-user section for the DHCP server side of things, they have implemented an option from the list of currently DHCP'ed pcs on the network where you can right click one and assign it to a static ip.

Instead of getting the MAC Address from the computer and then configuring the reservation for it.

Anyways, yes you need a dhcp server and then get the mac address of the pc, and assign it that way through the reservation option.

[danielormsby]

Adding static addresses to local machines has given me nothing but headaches... Machines not updating with DNS mostly.

I'd go reservation. I use them for 45+ printers at work, works beautifully. And if I want to change something I don't have to walk over to another building, etc.