How to Backup/Restore DHCP License Files
Before one computer can talk to another, it has to be licensed. This might be to access the network in a workplace or to share access to files, across two or more computers, at home. Software is needed to act as a guard allowing in only those with permission. DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This software records user information, usually IP addresses, and stores them on a database. As each computer tries to connect, the DHCP approves or rejects it, according to their license files in its database.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Backing Up The DHCP Database.
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1
Log onto a network computer as an administrator.
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2
Open the Start menu and select "Administration Tools" to find the DHCP console. If "Administration Tools" is not listed, click run and search "dhcpmgmt.msc."
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3
Open the DHCP console and find the list of servers.
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4
Right click your chosen server and select "Backup" from the pull-down menu.
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5
Select a destination from the "Browse For Folder" dialog box.
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6
Press "OK."
Restoring The DHCP Database.
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1
Open the DHCP console and find the list of servers.
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2
Right click your chosen server and select "Restore" from the pull-down menu.
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3
Select the folder with your back-up from the "Browse For Folder" dialog box.
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4
Press "OK."
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1
Tips & Warnings
The DHCP server will automatically back up its database every 60 minutes. Change the timing by altering the registry key settings under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DHCPServer\Parameters. Attempt this only with advanced knowledge of registry keys.
Some computer crashes might wipe the backed up folder from the dialog box. Access your information directly from the "Backup" directory at %SystemRoot%\System32\DHCP\Backup.
During the restoration of a DHCP database, no users will be able to access the network.
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