DCHP service cannot start - error code 1168

Hi all.

I have a PC that cannot connect to a network. Adapter is enabled, but not connected.

When I insert the cable the adapter changes status from "Network cable unplugged" to "Enabled". However as far as the computer is concerned there are "no connections available" (as per the icon with the red cross in the start bar). If I go to the adapter properties I cannot change the IPv4 properties (the button is greyed out).

The cable and all that is fine, I've tested it with another computer.

I tried rolling back the network adapter driver. I tried deleting it and letting Windows install the driver. No change.

When I check Services, "DHCP Client" is not running. When I try to start it the following error appears:
Windows could not start the DHCP Client service on Local Computer.
Error 1168: Element not found.

I followed the steps here:
ttps://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_programs/dhcp-client-wont-start/78919670-3e44-4dde-944a-e4d2754af9a8

The SFC scan showed no integrity violations.

There were no entries containing YMTDI or NISDRV in the listed registry locations.

I did a full disk check on startup. I don't know what half of the log means, but it says "0 bad file records processed" at one point, and "0 KB in bad sectors" near the bottom. Windows made some corrections to the file system. I assume this means HDD is fine.

I've tried checking for SMART errors (wmic > diskdrive get status), and drive status was all OK.

Ran the SFC scan again. No errors again.

Still cannot start the DHCP service.

Does anyone have any clue how to fix this? (short of a full recovery).

Thanks.

Try simpley giving it a fixed IP then there is no problem. If you have another PC on the network from a CMD prompt type
IPconfig /all
Post results so we can tell you setting for fixed ip

Sorry to say that I just did a factory reset and it is working fine. I would rather have tried to find a real solution but it is my bro's and he doesn't have time for me to play around with it.

That said, how could I have set a fixed IP? Because that was the first thing I tried. If I went to the adapter properties and selected the IPv4 protocol, the Properties button is greyed out and can't be clicked. Is there another way to do it?

But would that help at all if the DHCP service can't run? It seems to me that that is a pretty fundamental problem.

I also realised there was Windows Defender, AVG and Avast all installed. I know multiple antivirus' can cause issues, but even after uninstalling and attempting a restore point the problem remained.

I also tried startup repair but that couldn't fix anything.

Obviously I can't troubleshoot it further, but I'm still curious as to a possible cause and/or potential fix.