Two PCs running XP with SP2. They can ping each other, all the usual stuff except the client cannot see the internet (DSL). Both are running ZoneAlarm, and have static IP addresses. They have the same workgroup name. One is set to connect directly to the internet, the other to connect through the first. I have run the network wizard several times. I have noticed that each time I do this on the server the wizard assumes that the PC is connecting through another PC. (Thought this an unusual default.) Disabling ZoneAlarm has no effect. Window firewall is disabled. Going bonkers!

TIA Peter

Re: Internet Connection Sharing frustrations

Do you have Internet Connection Sharing enabled on the computer that you are using to connect to the internet? If not then you need to install and enable it.

Do you have the other computer set up to use that computer as its Gateway to the internet? You need to have the second computer redirect all requests to the internet through the one connected to the internet.

Are you running the PRO version of ZoneAlarm on the ICS enabled computer? You need to have the ICS settings in ZoneAlarm on the two computers set appropriately as server and client if you want ZoneAlarm to permit the internet access. If you are using the free version then you will need to lower the security level on the internet zone to medium or it will block ICS.

Re: Internet Connection Sharing frustrations

Yep, setup is as per your reponse. Have even checked MS knowledge base! Still scratching my head.

Peter

Re: Internet Connection Sharing frustrations

Hi, Have a look at the little ICS utility at www.twiga.ltd.uk. (free) Check that the static IP addresses are correct. that is, 192.168.0.1 for server and 192.168.0.x for client where x is not 1 and a number between 2 and 256 if I remember rightly. Check this by typing ipconfig /all in a command window for each machine. Also type netstat to establish that the network is running. Also, type net start to see that services are enabled- inparticular Workstation. Hope this helps, Nigel

Re: Internet Connection Sharing frustrations

I in the past have had a similar problem. My solution was to first check the Internet connected computer had the static IP address 192.168.0.1. If it doesnt have this you will not get an ICS connection to work. Make sure client computer is set to automatically receive its IP and DNS settings, server computer will assign ip automatically to its client in the range from 192.168.0.2 - 192.168.0.255. I found that changing the workgroup name to something different eg if now MSHOME change to WORKGROUP or something of your choice then restart your computer then change the workjgroup name on client to the new name restart the client. Then run your Network wizard again first on the server then the client. No need to install ICS as Win XP does this automatically. In Win98 you had to install the ICS software on the server.

Re: Internet Connection Sharing frustrations

Hi, since posting my problem my PC died big time requiring a reformat and XP reinstall. The configuration is identical to the previous setup except I HAVE NOT loaded SP2 and the problem has gone. There is a fix for SP2 WinsockxpFix.e3xe) which I previously tried without any luck.

Thanks all

Peter