Microsoft KB Archive/167049

= DHCP May Not Assign a Default Gateway to Windows NT Clients =

Article ID: 167049

Article Last Modified on 11/1/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q167049



SYMPTOMS
If you have configured a domain host configuration protocol (DHCP) server to provide a default gateway by using DHCP option 003 (router), Windows NT DHCP clients on the network receive a valid DHCP lease and all other DHCP lease options except the default gateway.



CAUSE
The DHCP option 003 (router) option was configured with a value that is not on the local subnet.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this problem, configure a valid value for this option. The default gateway for any computer running IP must be on that computer's local subnet.



STATUS
This behavior is by design.



MORE INFORMATION
Client computers running Windows 95 will accept an invalid default gateway and place it in the route table. Windows NT clients check the value they receive; if it is not on the local subnet, they will disregard the value.

NOTE: Windows 2000, Windows 98, and Windows Millenium accept the incorrect gateway address, add it to their routing table and display it.

In addition to the blank default gateway field, Windows NT clients also exhibit odd behaviour when releasing and renewing a lease with an invalid default gateway address. The client will appear to release correctly but will retain its settings and display them. When a renew is attempted, the client fails with a Error: 10065: renewing adapter "xxxxxx". The only way to properly renew the address is to reboot the client.

Additional query words: prodnt

Keywords: kbprb KB167049

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