2 XP Pro machines and ICS -simple?

[Jason]

I have 2 XP Pro machines, one non-proprietary desktop and
one Compaq 1500 Laptop. I used to use the Laptop as the
ICS machine but now want to have the desktop run the
connection since the laptop isn't always around. I am
connected through a Netgear FVS318 Router/Firewall that
will soon service my fiber connection but fiber isn't in
yet. Now using dial up.

I have changed the Router IP to 192.168.0.2 and set the
Desktop machine to 192.168.0.1 as ICS requires. The
Router acts as DHCP for laptop and always assigns it .3
of course. Now, on the laptop, I have "never dial a
connection" selected on the connections page of
Explorer's Internet Options but the laptop just doesn't
seem to know how to find the internet on the desktop.

I've disabled ICS on the laptop and restarted both
machines (and rebooted the router). The laptop is on an
NT network at the office, I have my home workgroup named
the same as the office workgroup and both machines can
see each other though I've not tried any file sharing as
yet. I have the office network settings as the alternate
settings on the laptop and have it set to get the
settings automatically as it's primary source.

Don't know what I'm missing. Any help would be
appreciated.

Jason

 

[Papa]

One you get away from dial-up, and since you have a router, why not forget
ICS altogether? A router connected to a cable modem eliminates the need for
ICS. Just connect the NIC of each computer to one of the router ports via
CAT 5 straight-thru cable, connect the router's WAN port to the cable modem,
and use the router software to establish the connection. Once that is done,
no longer will one of your computers have to be assigned as the "host", each
computer (laptop or desktop) will be able to access the internet
independently, and there will no longer be a need to pay your ISP for a
second IP address. Then, when you want to take your laptop to your office or
elsewhere, just unplug it from the router. The desktop PC won't even flinch.
;>)

 

[Papa]

You might take a look at www.practicallynetworked.com. They have many very
helpful hints. Good luck.

 

[Jason]

Thanks Papa -great site. In reading the ICS tutorial I
was tipped to the idea that running DHCP on my router
might not work with XP ICS since it runs it's own DHCP
(didn't know that before). I disabled DHCP on the router
and whammo -it works!

Thanks again...

Jason

 

[Papa]

Glad to hear it, and congratulations for working it out.