DHCP, usually from an external source, allocates TCP/IP addresses. MAC
addresses are unique values that are hard-coded into network
adapters/devices. DHCP will only come into play when the operating system is
running, not before. You might have a defective network adapter in the
computer, or if it's a PCI card it may just need re-seating or cleaning of
the contacts.


"Robert Bowie" <Robert Bowie@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:2E77A500-A8B4-4A09-B558-A1E25A705402@microsoft.com...
> my computer loads bios then tries to find a mac address using DHCP. It
> can
> not connect, next it shows the xp boot screen and appears to be loading.
> Next i get a blue windows screen telling saying restarting setup and it
> does
> this over and over if i let it. Is there an operating system on my
> computer
> and how can i stop it from searching for a mac address. Also if i install
> xp
> is ther a way to save my data?