You want to configure a static IP address on a Windows 2000 Server computer before installing DNS and Active Directory. Which tool should you use to assign the static IP settings?

Introduction / Context:
Before installing DNS and Active Directory on a Windows 2000 Server, it is critical to configure a static IP address. Domain controllers must not rely on dynamically changing IPv4 addresses because many services, such as DNS registrations and client referrals, depend on stable addressing. This question tests your knowledge of which Windows interface is used to assign a static IP configuration to a network adapter on a Windows 2000 Server system.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The computer is running Windows 2000 Server.
You plan to install the DNS Server service and Active Directory on this machine.
You need to configure a static IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for at least one network interface.
You must choose among several tools: IPconfig.exe, the DNS administrative tool, Active Directory Users and Computers, and the Network and Dial-up connections folder.
The focus is specifically on setting IP configuration for the network adapter.

Concept / Approach:
IP address settings for network adapters in Windows 2000 are configured through the graphical interface under Network and Dial-up connections. From there, you open the properties of a specific Local Area Connection and adjust the TCP/IP properties. IPconfig.exe is a command line tool primarily used to display current settings or renew DHCP leases, not to permanently configure static addresses. The DNS administrative tool manages DNS zones and records. Active Directory Users and Computers is used to manage users, groups, computers, and domain objects, not IP configuration.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that you must configure the network adapter directly, not a directory object or a DNS zone. Step 2: Recall that in Windows 2000, network interfaces are managed in the Network and Dial-up connections folder in Control Panel or via the right-click menu on My Network Places. Step 3: From this folder, you can right-click the appropriate Local Area Connection and choose Properties. Step 4: Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties to enter static IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway information. Step 5: Conclude that the correct tool to use is the Network and Dial-up connections folder.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine the practical steps you would take on a Windows 2000 Server before promoting it to a domain controller. You would browse to Network and Dial-up connections, configure the TCP/IP settings, and then run dcpromo to install Active Directory. At no point would you use IPconfig.exe to set the address, or the DNS administrative tool to change adapter settings. This confirms the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
IPconfig.exe – A command line tool used mainly to display IP configuration, release or renew DHCP leases, and flush DNS cache; it does not permanently set static IP addresses.

DNS administrative tool – Used to manage DNS zones, records, and server settings, not to configure the network adapter’s IP address.

Active Directory Users and Computers – Used to manage directory objects such as users, groups, and computers, and cannot assign IP addresses to interfaces.

Common Pitfalls:
A common misstep is assuming that IPconfig.exe can directly configure IP addresses because it displays them. While there are netsh commands in later versions of Windows, in Windows 2000 the standard method is graphical configuration via the Network and Dial-up connections folder. Another pitfall is confusing DNS configuration with IP assignment. Even though DNS is closely related to IP addressing, the tools for each are separate.

Final Answer:
To assign a static IP address before installing DNS and Active Directory, you should use the Network and Dial-up connections folder on the Windows 2000 Server computer.