Internet conncetion sharing - XP and ME

[maciverd]

I have set up a wireless network at home - router Linksys BEFW11S4, Vr 2 and 2 PCi cards (Linksys WMP11). I can share files and the printer on this work group. The work group has 2 machines - XP and ME.

The XP machine is the main machine (has the printer etc), with the ME feeding into it. This all works fine.

What I'm trying now to do is to share my internet connection (dial up, which is on the XP machine) with the ME machine.

Can someone please help me and give me a step by step idea as to how to do this. Once the Internet sharing is there, what do I do for 'dial up' procedures for the ME machine - at present the machine dials up.

Lastly, I intend getting Broadband (when money allows me) and wish to have the same set up i.e. XP machine is the main machine and the ME machine feeds off the XP (for everything including the Broadband connection).

Can anyone out there please help me.

Cheers,
Donald

[Greenstead]

You need to follow guides for the setup.

Some pointers for you:
The setup for sharing a dial-up link and broadband link are entirely different. When you move to broadband it just needs some re-configuration. The NIC properties for the wireless cards should on set to infrastructure mode (not peer to peer).

When you get your broadband connection you will get a new modem and that connects to the Router WAN port.

To configure the PCs for sharing dial-up follow the guide on this website:
http://practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/
Also in the router setup disable the router LAN DHCP service (ICS provides this).

For reconfiguration to share a broadband connection...come back at the time.

[maciverd]

Thanks for the reply. I followed the instructions.

When getting Internet Sharing Connection set up, my IP addresses were changed, so wasn't able to het to my workgroup. I've now set the IP address back to what is was i.e. under the wireless card (Internet Protocol TCP/IP). Both machines are now talking to each other. (I've just re-booted and the XP machine won't talk to the ME machine, although the ME machine can gain access to the files on my XP machine)

The XP machine is the one connected (by dial up) to the Internet and the connection is set up for shared.

On the ME machine, I now have a symbol for Internet Gateway connected. I have gone into Internet Options, Connection and changed the settings over to never dial a connection.

Under LAN settings, I have removed all the checked boxes.

I can't connect see the files on the ME machine (when trying to access via the Xp one) - and when I try to access the Internet via the network, I don't get anything.

I've now disabled the ISC on the XP machine and I can see all the files (XP machine can see all the ME files)

The IP address that I'm using for the Wireless connection TCP/IP is 192.168.1.10 and when the ISC is set up, windows give it a new IP address.

There's no doubt that I've sort of screwed this up, so help please

Cheers
Donald

[XeoNoX]

make sure your work group name is the same becuase ICS has a tendancy to change it to "MSHOME". Also make sure that once ICS is enable, make sure that all the other computers are using the same INTERNAL networks such as 192.168.0.xxx with the same subnetmask.

Also, sometimes, if you use the network setup wizard, it might disable file sharing, so make sure that your file sharing properties are all setup right with the right permissions and also make sure that all the windows computers have the FILE SHARING PROTOCOL installed.

[Greenstead]

OK - I think I see what the problem is.

Linksys routers use a different subnet to most other networking products including ICS. Linksys uses 192.168.1.* and we need 192.168.0.* (which ICS uses). Devices on different subnets cannot communicate. Never mind if that is gobbledegook to you - this is what you need to try.

1. Read pages 29 and 30 of your linksys manual. We need to do two things.
- Disable the router DHCP server.
- Change the default LAN IP address of the router from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.0.254 (I don't know if the router allows this - if not stop and we have to re-think).
(If you succeed you will lose connection with the router - never mind, carry on).


2. Set all NICs to get an IP address and DNS address automatically. Install ICS on the XP PC. Then power everything off. repower, first the router, then the XP PC, then the ME PC.

After reboot:
We hope to see the XP PC with IP 192.168.0.1 subnet mask 255.255.255.0
The ME PC with IP 192.168.0.2 subnet mask 255.255.255.0 and gateway 192.168.0.1
You should also be able to access the router on 192.168.0.254
If so everything might start to work.

What happened ?

[maciverd]

Thanks for the message. Have tried following your instructions - pages 29 & 30 of manual. The pages refer to the SET UP utility which requires broadband to be connected - the utilty interrogates the router, so can't get to the areas you mention for set up.

Could it be that I can't do this unless I've got broadband?

Here's what I've got so far:

Wireless PCI card (for both XP and ME):

TCP/IP : 192.168.1.10
Subnet 255.255.255.0
Default gateway: 192.168.1.1

DNS server:

Preferred: 192.168.1.1

Again can see files on both XP and ME machines.

As for the router, I can't get access (I think) to the default IP address (for the reason above).

Any help?

[Greenstead]

No you don't need broadband connected to configure the router.

You launch IE and enter in the address bar the router LAN address 192.168.1.1 Then you should see menus in the router.

Then follow my previous post and disable the router DHCP service.

[maciverd]

Well here goes ...

The router now has an IP address of 192.168.0.254 with a subnet of 255.255.255.0 and DHCP has been diabled.


I can't get access to any files on host (XP) to client (ME) or client to host.

On the client:

IP = 192.168.0.27
Subnet= 255.255.255.0
Default gateway= 192.168.0.1
DNS= 192.168.0.1
DHCP = enabled (according to the status monitor on the ME machine)

On host:

No IP or Subnet being provided for the wireless card - and I can't seem to change this manually.

Any further help would be appreciated.
Cheers
Donald

[Greenstead]

I'll stick with you till we make it work (If I miss your replies send me a private message thro the forums to wake me up).

You should not need to manually set any addresses in the NIC properties on either PC (but you can if you want). Lets leave the ME PC as it is for now since you have addresses there which will work when we get the XP PC correct.

We can clean up a little after these changes.
- Remove ICS from the XP PC.
- Reboot the PC.

Now lets configure the wireless NIC and re-install ICS.
On the XP PC go to Network Connections:
(START-> Connect to -> show all connections)

Highlight and Right click the wireless card connection -> click properties -> highllight TCP/IP->click properties -> check the buttons for 'Obtain an IP address automatically' and 'Obtain DNS server address automatically'. Click Advanced -> Click WINS TAB -> check the button for 'Enable Netbios over TCP/IP'.
OK everything till all is closed out.

Then install ICS on the dial-up adapter.

Then re-boot the XP PC.

The XP PC should come up with the wireless card showing IP 192.168.0.1

How now ?

[maciverd]

I've been away for the last few days, so sorry for the delay in replying.

Ok – here goes. Followed your instructions. The card on the XP now get’s it’s IP and DNS automatically.

What comes up now is:

Wireless PCI card XP

IP address: 169.254.77.155
Subnet 255.255.0.0
Automatic Private Address

I changed over the ME machine so that it would automatically pick up the NIC properties.

Wireless PCI Card on ME

IP address: 169.254.46.229
Subnet 255.255.0.0
DHCP enabled

My network now won’t make any connections and can’t get access to any files.

I have also PINGed 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.0.254 and get no reply. But I do get a reply on 169.254.77.155

I’m totally stumped on this.

[Greenstead]

It looks like ICS is not running. Those IP addresses on your PCs are what you get without ICS.

If ICS is installed, unistall it and install it again. The reboot both PCs, the ICS host PC first.

[maciverd]

Ok – have done that. Used the Network wizard to put in a shared connection – i.e.
this computer connects to the Internet with other connecting into this machine.
Re- booted.

XP Machine:

On my network connections screen, I get:

1394 connection – Enabled, Bridged, 1394 Net Adapter

Freeserve connection, Shared, firewalled, Modem

Network Bridge (network Bridge), Enabled, MAC Bridge Miniport – IP = 192.168.0.1, Subnet: 255.255.255.0

Wireless Network connection, enabled, bridged. – Right clicked and then Status, then Support tab – TCP/IP all unavailable. When I click on Properties, there is no TCP/IP as an option.

On the ME machine, when I look at the status monitor – I still get the IP address I mentioned earlier. I have re-installed the sharing software (via the disk that I got when setting up the sharing network via the XP machine). What I have noticed is that there is no gateway or DNS showing on the status monitor (ME machine)

Does this make sense? Oh and I can’t get access to my network. I think we're near to getting this sorted - I hope

[Greenstead]

The network wizard has a tendency to mess things up and make bridges that are not needed. I suggest backtracking and set up manually. Don't use the setup disc.

On the XP PC.
- Uninstall ICS.
- Disable the 1394 connection.
- Delete any bridges that remain.
- Inspect the wireless connection properties and ensure the following are checked:
-- Client for MS Networks
-- File and Printer sharing
-- Qos
-- TCP/IP

Then continue with the instructions in my post a few earlier (11-09-2002).

If you are unsure how to install ICS on the dial-up adapter read this:
http://www.homenethelp.com/ics/ics-install-sxp.asp

Then reboot both PCs.

[maciverd]

Well here goes – partial good news, I think:

ME Machine:

IP : 192.168.0.141
Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.0.1
DNS: 192.168.0.1

XP Machine

IP : 192.168.0.1
Mask: 255.255.255.0

Also, I get a PING response from 192.168.0.254

Overall, I can’t get access to the files on the network.

What I do see is this:

ME machine – My network places, Entire network = I can then see the network called ‘HOME’. When I click on this, I see the ME machine but not the XP machine. A residential gateway has appeared also.

XP machine – My network places = I can see the work group called ‘HOME’, and when I click on it, it says that it’s not accessible.

Any thoughts? And thanks for the help so far!

[Greenstead]

Excellent. Thats all looking good.

Other checks to make now.
- Do you get internet access from both PCs?
- All PCs have Netbios over TCP/IP enabled.
- All PCs have the same workgroup.
- All PCs have a unique computer name.
- All wireless devices have the same SSID.
- ALL PCs have network shares defined directly under c:.
- All NICs have their node type = broadcast or Hydrid (check with Ipconfig /all or winipcfg).
- XP's ICF firewall is permanently disabled.

[maciverd]

Thanks.

- Do you get internet access from both PCs? Can get access to the internet on the XP machine, but the ME machine won't. It tries to load the web page, but says that server is not present. Have checked the connection and it says to try to connect 1st by network then dial up.

- All PCs have Netbios over TCP/IP enabled. Yes. On the ME machine, the box is ticked and cannot be unchecked.

- All PCs have the same workgroup. Yes, called Home. Home shows up on both Machines. When I now click on Home when using the ME machine, I see both machines - XP and Ros. This didn't happen last night. When I click on XP, a 'cannot connect appears'.

- All PCs have a unique computer name. Yes. One called XP and the other Ros.

- All wireless devices have the same SSID. On the XP machine, in my network places, Linksys BEFW11S4 v.2 appears. On the ME machine, using the satsus monitor, it says Linksys and connected.

- ALL PCs have network shares defined directly under c:. Not sure what this is. XP - Have set up a numer of folders on C drive and my printer to be shared. As for the ME machine, a number of folders have been set up as shared. Before I started installing ICS, I could see all the shared folders on both machines.

- All NICs have their node type = broadcast or Hydrid (check with Ipconfig /all or winipcfg). Tried to do this (Ipconfig /all) from RUN , but a black box appears and disappears before I can read it. As for winipcfg, a message appears 'Windows cannot find winipcfg'

- XP's ICF firewall is permanently disabled. Yes. Have right clicked on the Internet connection (Freeserve Fax, Modem), Properties and then Advanced - the Firewall box is NOT checked.

On the XP machine, Network connections, I have a new Icon called Internet connection - this says, Internet gateway, Disabled and Internet Connection.

Does this help?

[Greenstead]

OK - lets go thro your checks:


- Do you get internet access from both PCs? Can get access to the internet on the XP machine, but the ME machine won't. It tries to load the web page, but says that server is not present. Have checked the connection and it says to try to connect 1st by network then dial up.
Strange - you have the correct gaetway. Try dialing-up first then try again.


- All PCs have Netbios over TCP/IP enabled. Yes. On the ME machine, the box is ticked and cannot be unchecked.
Thats good

- All PCs have the same workgroup. Yes, called Home. Home shows up on both Machines. When I now click on Home when using the ME machine, I see both machines - XP and Ros. This didn't happen last night. When I click on XP, a 'cannot connect appears'.
See below

- All PCs have a unique computer name. Yes. One called XP and the other Ros.
Thats good

- All wireless devices have the same SSID. On the XP machine, in my network places, Linksys BEFW11S4 v.2 appears. On the ME machine, using the satsus monitor, it says Linksys and connected.
Hmmm...On the wireless connection, right click and get properties up and click 'configuration' and slect the Advanced tab for SSID. SSID must be the same on both PCs as in the router. <- critical to confirm

- ALL PCs have network shares defined directly under c:. Not sure what this is. XP - Have set up a numer of folders on C drive and my printer to be shared. As for the ME machine, a number of folders have been set up as shared. Before I started installing ICS, I could see all the shared folders on both machines.
Sounds ok

- All NICs have their node type = broadcast or Hydrid (check with Ipconfig /all or winipcfg). Tried to do this (Ipconfig /all) from RUN , but a black box appears and disappears before I can read it. As for winipcfg, a message appears 'Windows cannot find winipcfg'
Leave for now till we confirm the SSID.

- XP's ICF firewall is permanently disabled. Yes. Have right clicked on the Internet connection (Freeserve Fax, Modem), Properties and then Advanced - the Firewall box is NOT checked.
Thats good

On the XP machine, Network connections, I have a new Icon called Internet connection - this says, Internet gateway, Disabled and Internet Connection.
Thats good

[maciverd]

Thanks. Have answered your points by ##. Could it be anything to do with what files etc are allowed to be passed between each machine?

OK - lets go thro your checks:


- Do you get internet access from both PCs? Can get access to the internet on the XP machine, but the ME machine won't. It tries to load the web page, but says that server is not present. Have checked the connection and it says to try to connect 1st by network then dial up.
Strange - you have the correct gaetway. Try dialing-up first then try again.

###Have dialled up from the ME machine - this caused the XP machine to dial up and connection was made. However, the ME machine wouldn't load any internet pages, again server not available. As for the XP machine, no problem with loading the web page. On the ME machine I have 2 small icons at the bottom of the page (near the time clock) - 1 is a 'View newly discovered UPNP devices' and the other is 'Internet gateway: disconnected'.##


- All PCs have Netbios over TCP/IP enabled. Yes. On the ME machine, the box is ticked and cannot be unchecked.
Thats good

- All PCs have the same workgroup. Yes, called Home. Home shows up on both Machines. When I now click on Home when using the ME machine, I see both machines - XP and Ros. This didn't happen last night. When I click on XP, a 'cannot connect appears'.
See below

- All PCs have a unique computer name. Yes. One called XP and the other Ros.
Thats good

- All wireless devices have the same SSID. On the XP machine, in my network places, Linksys BEFW11S4 v.2 appears. On the ME machine, using the satsus monitor, it says Linksys and connected.
Hmmm...On the wireless connection, right click and get properties up and click 'configuration' and slect the Advanced tab for SSID. SSID must be the same on both PCs as in the router. <- critical to confirm

##On the Xp machine, went into Network connections, right clicked on the card, Properties and thenWireless networks, then configure and I get:

SSID = linksys


On the ME machine, according to the status monitor,

SSID = linksys

Network type = infrastructure##

- ALL PCs have network shares defined directly under c:. Not sure what this is. XP - Have set up a numer of folders on C drive and my printer to be shared. As for the ME machine, a number of folders have been set up as shared. Before I started installing ICS, I could see all the shared folders on both machines.
Sounds ok

- All NICs have their node type = broadcast or Hydrid (check with Ipconfig /all or winipcfg). Tried to do this (Ipconfig /all) from RUN , but a black box appears and disappears before I can read it. As for winipcfg, a message appears 'Windows cannot find winipcfg'
Leave for now till we confirm the SSID.

- XP's ICF firewall is permanently disabled. Yes. Have right clicked on the Internet connection (Freeserve Fax, Modem), Properties and then Advanced - the Firewall box is NOT checked.
Thats good

[Greenstead]

Well, everything on the XP PC seems correctly configured and is working.

The problem seems to be on the ME PC. Though it appears correctly configured. I think it may be the IE settings on the ME PC.
Use this guide to configure IE on the ME PC:
http://practicallynetworked.com/sharing/ics/icsclient.htm

Then reboot the ME PC and see how it goes then.

[maciverd]

I'll try that tonight when I get home from work. What puzzles me is that I can't share any files (or printer) with the ME machine, although I can see the XP machine listed under my HOME network group (on ME machine).

As for the XP machine, I get the HOME network group, but when I click on this, I get nothing.

Again, what puzzles me is that when I try to connect to the net from the ME machine, the XP machine dials up - so I would guess that means that both machines are connected correctly. If so, then not getting access to any files, for me, is more strange. Could it be that I have missed something out, telling each machine what can be seen on each machine?

[Greenstead]

Yes - there is something else not right yet.

But lets try that internet connection first and see what it tells us.

After - You could also do this:

- Repeat this earlier check but on both the wireless connections:
"XP's ICF firewall is permanently disabled. Yes. Have right clicked on the Internet connection (Freeserve Fax, Modem), Properties and then Advanced - the Firewall box is NOT checked."

- Are you sure there are no 3rd party firewalls running anywhere, like Norton firewall ?

[maciverd]

I did have zone alarm installed, however, I'm sure I switched it off - will double check.

I have gone over your messages and notice that on 16/11/02 @ 6.13pm, I was to check for

"On the XP PC.
- Uninstall ICS.
- Disable the 1394 connection.
- Delete any bridges that remain.
- Inspect the wireless connection properties and ensure the following are checked:
-- Client for MS Networks
-- File and Printer sharing
-- Qos
-- TCP/IP"

I have just remembered that I don't have the option -- Qos showing up. All I have are:

-- Client for MS Networks
-- File and Printer sharing
-- TCP/IP

Could this be the probelm. Sorry, should have said this earlier, but weas getting excited thinking that it was nearly working!

[Greenstead]

No, Qos doesn't matter at all either way.

[maciverd]

Well.....good news! It's now working - how happy am I.

I had a thought to check the internet connection on the XP machine. Went into network connections, properties, networking and noticed that File sharing and Client for networks wasn't checked. It now all works and I can see files on both machines and I can share the internet connection between each machine.

What I'm having trouble with is Zone alarm. Have set this up to allow access (using the IP address for the ME machine) - this allows me to have a look at each machines files, but won't let the ME machine use the Net. I presume this is normal?

I intend getting broadband in the next few weeks and wouldn't be surprised if my settings will need changed to accomodate that.

Any how, many many thanks for your kind help and time.

Regards
Donald

[Greenstead]

I'm relieved too - thats good news, this thread was getting rather long.


I use zone alarm too (the free version). I would not expect zone alarm to stop the internet access. I will do a test myself and let you know.

When you get broadband you will have to:
- Delete the ICS in network connections.
- Change the router address back to 192.168.1.1
- Enable the LAN DHCP server in the router.
Re-boot everthing.
That should be all (I think).

[maciverd]

Thanks. When I get broadband, do you mind if I contact you again?

I'm so worried that I'll knacker everything up.

Many thanks for the help.

[Greenstead]

Ah, I was wrong about Zonealarm (the free version).

Zonealarm help files says this:
"ZoneAlarm does not support configuration for Windows' Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) option.
If you are using ICS or a third-party connection sharing program, upgrade to ZoneAlarm Pro to protect all of the computers that share the connection from inbound threats"
Disable it or upgrade it seems.

By all means come back when you get your broadband.

Good Luck.

[maciverd]

Hello Greenstead

Well, I've now ordered my Broadband from Freeserve and modem. The modem that was recommened was the D-link 300G+. The broadband connection will be available on Wed. as is the modem.

As I've got ICS on dial up, can you tell me how I go about connecting everything up.

According to freeserve, I will have a PPPoA connection. How will I configure the modem? Also, the router I have, does it need enabled - there seems to be options to change the type of WAN connection ?

Something that puzzles me, will I need to configure Explorer or Outlook?

Lastly, if you can tell me the steps that I need to take, then I can 'sort them out in my head' for Wed.

Many thanks for your continued help.

[Greenstead]

I thought Freeserve provide the modem as part of their broadband package, (which connects to your network with a USB connection - Yuk!). Or are you buying your own modem with an ethernet connection ?

I found the 300G+ on D-Links UK website. Sounds good.

I never setup a PPPoA connection so you might have to sort that with Freeserve. But from the connection to your router and the router/network configuration I should be able to help.

[maciverd]

Thanks. Yes, Freeserve have a package, but as you say it's a USB connection and as the router is Ethernet, I thought the best route would be to get an Ethernet modem.

I'll contact Freeserve for help on the connection (PPPoA).

[Greenstead]

Leaving the router and PC configuration aside for now (I'll think on those tonight).

If PPPoA is like PPPoE you will get a user ID and password which you have to enter, normally in the router. I wondered if it might be done in the modem instead - probably not but you might check that out. (showing my ignorance of PPPoA).

There is also an ADSL website you might check out for tips:
http://www.adslguide.org.uk/qanda.asp

I'll come back with the changes for your router and PCs.

[maciverd]

Thanks. I downloaded the userguide from D-link (http://www.dlink.co.uk/support/dsl-300g.pdf) and it appears that the modem takes the username and password. It also seems to be set up for PPPoA connections. I don't know what the Encaptulisation or Authentication will be, but will ask Freeserve.

However, I think the router also has an area for inputting the username and passwork (albeit for PPPoE). I did get a username and password from Freeserve.

Thanks for all your help.

[Greenstead]

Well,if the PPPoA protocol and authentication is done in the modem then I would expect the router just connects to it by ethernet (I'm not really sure so we will find out at the time).

Also check with Freeserve what you have to register with them. It will be at least the MAC address of the modem. It may also be the MAC address of the router.

Looking back over this thread you have most configuration already done. I just need to repeat what I posted before:
When you get broadband you will have to (in this order):
- Enable the LAN DHCP server in the router.
- Change the router address back to 192.168.1.1
(You will lose connection with the router at this point)
- Delete the ICS in network connections.
Re-boot everthing (power down router and PCs, then power up first router then the PCs, might need to reboot the PCs twice).

Check your internet explorer settings:
Tools->Internet Options->connections. Set 'never dial a connection'. Then select LAN Settings and check 'Automatically detect settings'.

[maciverd]

Thanks. I've just received the modem and have tried to configure it. The instructions only allows for ethernet cable to the PC and doesn't give any help for wireless connections.

What I have done is connected the modem to the router (WAN) and switched both on. I then typed into my browser 192.168.0.1 which is the default IP address to access the web-based managment software. I don't get anything.

I'll contact D-link tomorrow (Wed or Thurs) to see what advice they can give, but I thought I'd ask you just in case there was something I wasn't doing right.

[Greenstead]

Thats correct - you connect the modem to the router WAN port.

However, you cannot access the modem with 192.168.0.1 yet. Thats because that address is being used by the NIC in your Host PC (it is allocated to it by ICS). You should disconnect the modem from the router until you do the steps below or you will have an IP address conflict.

Thats why you have to do the steps I previously posted first:

i.e.
- Enable the LAN DHCP server in the router.
- Change the router address back to 192.168.1.1
(You will lose connection with the router at this point)
- Delete the ICS in network connections.
Re-boot everthing (power down router and PCs, then power up first router then the PCs, might need to reboot the PCs twice).
(The PCs will get new IP addresses given by the router. You have now disabled dial-up sharing from the Client until the broadband sharing is established).

After the reboot you should be able to access the modem on 192.168.0.1

[maciverd]

Hi Greenstead. Thanks for that.

I think I've deleted the ICS but what I get for the NIC on the XP is this:

Wireless PCI card XP

IP address: 169.254.77.155
Subnet 255.255.0.0
Automatic Private Address

The ME machine also gets a similar IP. The network between each machine works, but I can get access to 192.16.1.1 (router) or 192.168.0.1 (modem)

I think it must be something to do with me removing ICS - I deleted it as normal and have re-booted a few times, but no difference.

Any help?

[Greenstead]

I think you have not turned on the DHCP server in the router.

Did you change the router LAN address to 192.168.1.1 ?

If you did you will have to manually set the XP PC to the same subnet e.g. 192.168.1.2 mask 255.255.255.0 Then you will be able to access the router and modem.

(there is another way - somewhere on the router is a hard reset button which will set it back to factory default - which is what we want - find it and hold it in for a few seconds - then reboot the PCs and see what IP they get - all should work then).

Hopefully.

[BatMan]

Great place your a big help. Something as simple as getting the network setup can be hard for people who know very little about it. Thanks to people like you who take the time to spell it out so us dummies can get it working.:D I'm sure I'll be back when I botch something up.

Tkx again

[maciverd]

Greenstead

Thanks a million. The re-set button did the trick. Also, configured the modem and now broadband is working - shared between the two machine.

Much appreciated for all the help.

Cheers

[GiorgosH]

Originally posted by Greenstead
It looks like ICS is not running. Those IP addresses on your PCs are what you get without ICS.

If ICS is installed, unistall it and install it again. The reboot both PCs, the ICS host PC first.

How do i uninstall and then install ICS on a pc with WIN XP Home Edition?

I cannot find it in add/remove programs...
Is there any link i can download a setup program from?
Otherwise, is there any way to create the network setup disk, apart frm running again the wizard on the server pc (i mean the pc that shares the net connection)

[maciverd]

I have Freeserve Broadband and it works fine. I use an Ethernet Modem via a Wireless Router (Linksys). Everything works fine. The only problem is that if I leave my machine alone (XP machine), say for 5 hrs or so and haven't touched it and then try to download items from the net, I can't get access to the net. However, if I re-boot my XP machine, it all works again. NB that the Modem and Router do not get re-booted. It's as if something closes down. I don't think it's the modem or router settings but more to do with the PC settings, but I could be wrong!

The Router is a Linksys BEFW11S4 vr2 and the modem is D-link 300G+.

Freeserve technical aren't very good and say that it must be the PC settings, but won't offer any help.

Any help would be good. Thanks.

[maciverd]

Even stranger....I've now noticed that after a number of hours, MS Outlook will connect to the net, however, IE will not and the only way to get internet access via explorer is to re-boot the machine.

Any suggestions?