Hi there,
I've recently downloaded and installed ESXi on a new IBM X 3400. I have a VM with Windows Server 2003 R2, and I've migrated the DHCP server role over from another box. When I turn off the service on the other box and start it in the VM I am unable to service DHCP requests. It's as if I don't have a DHCP server on my network.
Any ideas?
can you confirm that the DHCP server is authorized using the DHCP manager.
Can you ping the new DHCP server from the vm?
Hi,
Sorry I should have indicated that before. Yes, the server had good ping. DNS runs fine, and it sucessfully joined the domain. It appears as if there is some issue with the DHCP broadcast packets. The other thing I thought of is trying to get DHCP running without doing a migration/import, and then importing the reservations later.
can you confirm that the DHCP server is authorized using the DHCP manager.
When I turn off the service on the other box and start it in the VM I am unable to service DHCP requests. It's as if I don't have a DHCP server on my network.
This isn't a VM issue. You need to talk to your Network Admin and have them change your helper address on the network switch to allow this new Server to be the DHCP for the network. Either that or set the IP the same as the last DHCP server. That's the problem.
The network switch tells the network cards where to 'look' for their DHCP scope, if you don't have this set, your NIC's will be 'duh'.... That's what's going on.

Yep, I will have to agree with Rparker here. I would check the "UDP Helper" address in the core switches / routers (whatever you have). Change it if the VM has a different address (like Rparker said) or change the VM address to the same one as the previous DHCP server (if possible).
Don't forget to use the buttons on the side to award points if you found this useful (you'll get points too).
Regards,
Harley Stagner
Thank you for the suggestion gentlemen. At most locations I run that would be an excellent idea, except at this location I'm running an un-managed switch.
I'll try redoing DHCP from scratch and see what happens. I thought there might be a trick with the Virtual Switches to let in the broadcast packets, but I see now that isn't the case.
I'll post back once I find out more. Thank you for your suggestions.
Hi again. I worked this last night a bit and it is a domain issue. There DHCP Authorization issue is just the most visible. I'm rolling back the server and starting again from scratch.
Thanks for all of your input--they are all good suggestions.
