Re: Windows XP Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

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On Wed, 15 Jun 2005 13:00:07 -0700, Weyde_one wrote:

> Thanks for the tip. I read at least two versions of instructions for
> configuring ICS. Each set of instructions specifies that the "client"
> workstation(s) should be configured to obtain an IP addres and DNS server
> address automatically.
>
> On the first day I setup ICS, I initially configured both the ICS "host"
> and the client to obtain an IP addresses automatically. This configuration
> did not work well, as the "client" was assigned a random IP address that was
> out of the valid range of the ICS"host". I subsequently configured the
> static IP address 192.168.0.1 and a mask of 255.255.255.0 on the "host'" and
> left the "client" configured to receive its information automatically. This
> configuration allowed the workstations to work well together, sharing the
> Internet connection as well as a local printer.
>
> Today, after both workstations were restarted, the "client" workstation
> again was assigned the random IP address and subnet mask. Now the ICS
> workstation cannot communicate with the "client", nor can they share the
> printer, or the Internet connection.
>
> By the way, on the first day of connecting them, I did restart both
> computers several times to verify that could share the Internet connection as
> well as the local printer.

The "host" computer has to be running for ICS to work. You'll see a 169.*
address when the client computer fails to obtain an IP number in the
correct range from the "host." This is an APIPA address or "public IP."
The cause of the failure can vary. Even if you have everything setup
correctly, the timing can be off a hair between the various systems when
the client is seeking its IP and there goes your dynamically assigned
address. You can restart the client system and hope it succeeds (sometimes
works since many processes remain in memory for a restart instead of
loading fresh). Or perform an ipconfig /release and /renew from a command
prompt window. Or, and probably the simplest, assign static IPs to the
"clients."

ICS is an optional part of a workgroup structure. Since you are sharing a
printer, is it possible that there are other resources that you want
shared? I'm thinking that you may want to delve a little deeper into
getting a workgroup setup (one that includes ICS).

If all machines in the workgroup run XP, the network wizard is handy and
effective. It supposedly works well with mixed networks but I find that
it's better to set those manually instead of using the wizard. There are
several articles in the Windows XP Expert Zone on setting up a home network
(including ICS): http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/default.mspx

I also find the home networking articles at www.practicallynetworked.com to
be helpful too.

--
Sharon F
MS-MVP ~ Windows Shell/User
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Windows XP Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
    ... On the first day I setup ICS, I initially configured both the ICS "host" ... and the client to obtain an IP addresses automatically. ... configuration allowed the workstations to work well together, ... Today, after both workstations were restarted, the "client" workstation ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.accessibility)
  • Re: Why is SP2 so big? It doesnt do much
    ... >>the client machines to it as the router. ... >>That's what I mean about Windows being more tightly integrated. ... I'd have to set up a machine specifically for the 'built in ICS' ... configuration because I'm using Win2K server with Routing and Remote Access ...
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