Knowing the IP before logging in.. or a workaround!

[MiMadreMia87]

I am implementing a scenario of PCs that are not part of the organization domain..
those PCs will be on remote locations and will be managed by MS Intune..

Now I want a workaround of this scenario,
a user has forgot his account credentials and required a password reset.. the RDP is enabled on the workstation, so if I know the IP address, I will remote connect to it, provide the administrator credentials, and reset the password.. the problem am considering is that the user forgot the password and doesn't know the IP address of the PC.. assigning static IPs is not an option, and the IP cannot be resolved by a computer name as those PCs are not part of the domain.. Netbios is disabled so I cannot scan it and resolve the computer name from the IP address..

Only knowing the IP address before logging in would do the trick for me..
machines are running windows 8.1

 

[GokAy]

Can you not get the IPs from DHCP server? Even if you are using simple home style routers, it should have an active client list you can get from web management interface (either by VPN or remote management interface). You will need to keep record of MAC addresses (sometimes client names) to find IP in the client list. Hope this makes sense.

 

[MiMadreMia87]

Actually yes I can.. since am also a Network administrator
But actually am looking for a solution for the Help Desk employees, who don't have any access to the DHCP server..

 

[GokAy]

maybe a small batch program that can append client name, IP and MAC address to a txt file on a shared folder. Should be able to run it upon boot up. Or does windows start dhcp discover after log in?

I am about to go out so can't go into detail, is your dhcp router or dedicated server?

 

[UsernameIssues]

When I first read you post, I thought of this old utility:
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897557

Desktops: Selects which desktops are updated when the configuration is applied. By default only the User Desktop wallpaper is changed. Enabling the Logon Desktop for Console users option specifies that the wallpaper should be displayed on the logon desktop that is presented before anyone has logged onto the system.

You could limit the info to the IP address.

Seems to work on Windows 8
SysInternals Pro: Using BgInfo to Display System Information on the Desktop
BgInfo + Windows 8.1 + Dual Monitor - Sysinternals Forums

 

[GokAy]

To delegate a user as DHCP user (read only rights) on a domain controller- https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc783279(v=ws.10).aspx
Or add as DHCP user at a member server - https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc738542(v=ws.10).aspx

Then add the DHCP snap-in in a new mmc and save. Your help desk can use that DHCP console to browse it, but unable to modify.

I will search for a way to get IP with a text file.

 

[GokAy]

I have deviced a batch file that writes HostName and IP Address to a text file but need to go home to further test it and refine. Uses a Scheduled Task to run (5 mins after Startup to make sure network shares and IP related services load). I will give details about the task after trying it some.

The batch file:

hostname>>"\\<SHAREHOSTNAME>\IPs\IPlist.txt"
ipconfig -all |find "IPv4 Address">>"\\<SHAREHOSTNAME>\IPs\IPlist.txt"

The hostname and IP address of the client is appended to the list.

Note: Win8 could access shared folder (on Win7) without entering credentials, Win7 was asked for credentials for a share on Win8. These are my friend's work PCs, so I couldn't mess with them much.