Windows Server 2016 and internet issues

Hello

Even if no one actively uses it anymore, it's probably still doing something vital in the background.

When the internet cuts out as soon as it’s shut down, that’s a strong sign it’s acting as:
- A DHCP server handing out IP addresses,
- A DNS server translating website names,
- Or even a domain controller, if you’re using Active Directory.

Before you unplug anything, here’s what I’d do if I were in your shoes:
1. Go on the server and open services.msc — check if DHCP or DNS Server is running.
2. On a networked computer, type ipconfig /all and look at the “DHCP Server” and “DNS Server” fields — if they match the Dell server’s IP, there’s your answer.
3. Then you can prepare a router or another server to take over those roles.
4. Only after you test that everything’s working with the old server turned off should you retire it for good.

No one wants to be the guy responsible for knocking out the Wi-Fi across a school 😂