Error 20091 When Client Dials RAS Server Using TCP/IP

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0

SYMPTOMS

Windows NT, Windows 95, or third-party PPP clients fail to connect to your Windows NT Remote Access Service (RAS) server using the TCP/IP protocol.

In the System Log of the Event Viewer on your Windows NT RAS server, you see the following error message:

   Event ID: 20091
   Source: RemoteAccess
   Type: Error
   Description: The Remote Access Server was unable to acquire an IP
   Address from the DHCP Server to be used on the Server Adapter. Incoming
   users will be unable to connect using IP.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if either of the following conditions exist:

• You are using DHCP on your network, but you have not created an active scope that includes addresses from the same subnet as the subnet of the RAS server's network card.
• Your RAS server is configured to use DHCP to assign remote TCP/IP client addresses (the default option), however, there is no DHCP server on your network.

RESOLUTION

If there is a DHCP Server on your network, make sure you have an active scope on your DHCP server that includes addresses from the same subnet as the subnet of the RAS server's network card. For information on creating and activating scopes using DHCP Manager, refer to DHCP Help.

If there is no DHCP server on your network, configure RAS to use a static address pool to assign remote TCP/IP client addresses by performing the appropriate method below:

Windows NT 4.0

1. In Control Panel, double-click Network, click the Services tab, and then double-click Remote Access Service.

2. Click Network, click the TCP/IP check box under Server Settings to select it, and then click Configure.

3. Click Use Static Address Pool, set the Begin and End addresses, and then click OK.

Windows NT 3.51 and earlier

1. In Control Panel, double-click Network, and then double-click Remote Access Service.

2. Click Network, and then click Configure (for TCP/IP) under Server Settings.

3. Click Use Static Address Pool, set the Begin and End addresses, and then click OK.