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A Windows-based computer that is configured to use DHCP can automatically assign itself an Internet Protocol (IP) address if a DHCP server is not available. For example, this could occur on a network without a DHCP server, or on a network if a DHCP server is temporarily down for maintenance.
Now there’s a faster and easier way to squeeze more performance and value out of your network by activating the device capabilities you’ve already paid for!
Download the free Network Config Generator from Solarwinds and in less time than it takes to say “C-L-I”, you can be running config templates that automatically configure both common and advanced network device features.
Read more about APIPA on the What's APIPA? page.
You may want to disable it in any of the following cases:
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Your network uses routers.
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Your network is connected to the Internet without a NAT or proxy server.
To disable automatic address configuration do the following:
Windows 2000/XP/2003
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Open Registry Editor.
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In Registry Editor, navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\adapter_name-
Create the following entry:
IPAutoconfigurationEnabled: REG_DWORD
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Assign a value of 0 to disable Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) support for the selected network adapter.
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Close Registry Editor.
Note: You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure.
If the IPAutoconfigurationEnabled entry is not present, a default value of 1 is assumed, which indicates that APIPA is used.
If multiple adapters are installed, you can disable APIPA for all installed adapters by setting the IPAutoconfigurationEnabled entry to 0 at the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\ParametersWindows 98/ME
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Open Registry Editor.
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In Registry Editor, navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\DHCP-
Create the following entry:
IPAutoconfigurationEnabled: REG_DWORD
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Assign a value of 0 to disable Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) support for the selected network adapter.
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Close Registry Editor.

