A computer has an IP address of 169.254.100.88. What is the most likely issue?

An IP address of 169.254.100.88 indicates that the computer is using a link-local address, which is automatically assigned when a device fails to obtain a valid IP address from a DHCP server. This range of IP addresses, specifically from 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254, is designated for automatic private IP addressing (APIPA).

When a device is connected to a network and is configured to obtain an IP address automatically but cannot contact a DHCP server (either due to the server being down, network outages, or misconfigurations), it defaults to this APIPA IP address range. This address allows for basic local communication between devices on the same network segment, but it does not permit communication to the larger internet or other external networks, as no valid gateway is assigned.

The other options relate to specific scenarios that do not directly address the immediate issue represented by the link-local address. Issues such as an improperly configured network printer, lack of connection to the router, or an outdated operating system may be symptoms of a network problem but do not explain the direct cause of the computer's assignment of the 169.254.x.x address. Thus, the most likely issue is indeed the inability to