The DHCP server database under Windows NT Server version 4.0 uses the performance-enhanced Exchange Server storage engine version 4.0. When you install Microsoft DHCP server, the files shown in the following table are automatically created in the \systemroot\System32\Dhcp directory.
Table 7.7 Microsoft DHCP Server Database Files
File | Description |
Dhcp.mdb | The DHCP server database file. |
Dhcp.tmp | A temporary file used by the DHCP database as a swap file during database index maintenance operations. This file may remain in the \systemroot\System32\Dhcp directory after a crash. |
J50.log and J50#####.log | A log of all database transactions. This file is used by the DHCP database to recover data if necessary. |
J50.chk | A checkpoint file. |
Important
The J50.log file, J50#####.log file, Dhcp.mdb file, and Dhcp.tmp file should not be removed or tampered with in any manner.
As previously discussed, the DHCP server database is a dynamic database that is updated as DHCP clients are assigned, or release, their TCP/IP configuration parameters. Because the DHCP database is not a distributed database like the WINS server database, maintenance of the DHCP server database is less complex.
The DHCP database and related Registry entries are backed up automatically at a specific interval (15 minutes by installation default). This installation default can be changed by changing the value of the Registry parameter BackupInterval in the Registry key: