Microsoft KB Archive/931550

= When a DHCP server is unavailable on a Windows Vista-based computer, Windows Vista uses an APIPA IP address much sooner than Windows XP does under the same circumstances =

Article ID: 931550

Article Last Modified on 3/15/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Windows Vista Ultimate
 * Windows Vista Starter
 * Windows Vista Home Premium
 * Windows Vista Home Basic
 * Windows Vista Enterprise
 * Windows Vista Business 64-bit edition
 * Windows Vista Business
 * Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition
 * Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition
 * Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition
 * Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit edition

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SYMPTOMS
When you start a Windows Vista-based computer, you may notice the following:
 * The computer first uses an Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) IP address.
 * Later, the computer acquires an IP address from a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server.



CAUSE
This behavior occurs if Windows Vista cannot immediately contact a DHCP server. In this situation, Windows Vista tries for only six seconds to contact a DHCP server and then uses an APIPA IP address. Then, Windows Vista continues trying to acquire an IP address from a DHCP server.



MORE INFORMATION
This behavior differs from earlier versions of Windows. For example, when you start a Microsoft Windows XP-based computer, Windows XP tries for a full three minutes to contact a DHCP server before it uses an APIPA IP address.

Keywords: kbinfo kbtshoot kbexpertiseinter KB931550

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