Hello, I am attempting to configure a Linux server (Mandriva 2005LE) with a static IP address however I do not control the DHCP server for the network it will be on. What I'm looking to do is have the computer make a DHCP request and use the information it provides, except replacing the IP address the DHCP server specifies with one of my choice. The same as the "DHCP with Static IP" option in Mac OS X, if you are familiar with Macs.

I have tried adding the IPADDR speciification to /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts but that doesn't work. Using ifconfig changes my IP but I become un-accesable ver the network. The procedure is possible on our network as for we have two OS X servers working this way.

I'm not sure there is a way to do this with any default network initiation scripts but all you really need to do is call:
dhclient eth0
ifconfig eth0 ip.addr.goes.here

You may also need to supply the correct netmask in the ifconfig command. Make sure that the IP address you use is outwith the dhcp range though.