Windows NT Server 4.0 is designed to automatically compact the DHCP database and normally you should not need to run this procedure. However, if you are using Windows NT Server versions 3.51 or earlier, after DHCP has been running for a while, the database might need to be compacted to improve DHCP performance. You should compact the DHCP database whenever it approaches 30 MB.
You can use the Jetpack.exe utility provided with Windows NT Server version 3.5 and 3.51 to compact a DHCP database. Jetpack.exe is a command-line utility that is run in the Windows NT Server command window. The utility is found in the \%Systemroot\System32 directory.
The Jetpack.exe syntax is:
Jetpack.exe <database name> <temp database name>
For example:
In the preceding example, Tmp.mdb is a temporary database that is used by Jetpack.exe. Dhcp.mdb is the DHCP server database file.
When Jetpack.exe is started, it performs the following tasks:
1. Copies database information to a temporary database file called Tmp.mdb.
2. Deletes the original database file, Dhcp.mdb.
3. Renames the temporary database file to the original filename.
To compact the DHCP database
1. In Control Panel, double-click Services.
2. Under Service, click Microsoft DHCP Server.
3. Click Stop, and then click Close. (Alternatively, you can type net stop DHCP at the command prompt.)
4. At the command prompt, run the Jetpack.exe program as previously described.
5. Restart the DHCP Server service by using the Services dialog box.