>How can I check the type of IP settings?

In XP:
Control Panel
* Control Panel -> Network Connections
* Right-click "Local Area Connectino" item then select "Properties"
* Highlight "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" then click Properties button
* Select the General tab
* If the radio button is set to "Obtain an IP address automatically" then DHCP is enabled (computer gets TCP/IP address from DHCP server)

In Win7 (don't have Vista, but I presume it should be close to what Win7 has):
* Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center
* Change adaptor settings (it's in sidebar on left-hand-side)
* Right-click "Local Area Connection" item then select "Properties"
* Locate the "Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPV4)" then click Proprties button
* If the first radio button is set to "Obtain an IP address automaticaly" you've got DHCP enabled (computer gets TCP/IP address from DHCP server)

Usually you want anything set as a server to be use a static TCP/IP address.