Client machines can't access internet

[Sagittaria]

I need help getting my network set up. I've had it up and running for
years, but had to reformat one of my computers and now everything is
screwy.

Here's what I am seeing:

Network consists of 3 computers linked using phoneline networking. One
computer is connected to the outside and shares internet with the
other two. All three computers are running windows XP and used the XP
network setup wizard.

All 3 computers can see each other and browse each other. The problem
is not with the network per se, but with the internet sharing.

The host computer can access all internet sites and has no problems.

Both clients are experiencing identical problems. They cannot connect
to most websites, including yahoo, google, msn, dilbert, neopets,
matazone, theonion, etc. They can connect to a very few websites.
I've found 3 that work so far: papajohns.com, zoomerang.com, and
deploy.ztelligence.com. These sites work on both clients.

Clients can ping most of the above websites by IP address or by name
(www.yahoo.com) and get a timely response.

Clients can connect to AIM (Aol instant messenger) and to ICQ,
although the ICQ connection gets dropped every two minutes and then
reconnects. Neither one can connect to MSN messenger or Yahoo
messenger.

Clients can connect to IRC and USenet servers but get disconnected
after about 2 minutes.

Clients cannot access email (3 different pop servers all fail).

I've tried this with windows XP ICS and with a 3rd party networking
manager (Sygate). I get the same behavior with both. I've also turned
off the host's firewall for these tests, so that's not the problem.

I can't think of anything else to try and I would appreciate any
suggestions or any ideas about what's going on.

Thanks very much,

---->Sagittaria<----

 

[Sagittaria]

This is a common problem with sharing DSL connections that use PPP
Over Ethernet (PPPoE), and it might affect other types of Internet
connections. Here are some possible fixes. Any one of them
should solve the problem:

1. Install Windows XP Service Pack 1 on the ICS host computer.

2. Find the right MTU setting on the client computers, as shown
here:

Thanks for the reply. All 3 computers have SP1 installed. I looked
into changing the MTU size, but I have never changed it in the past
so I don't understand why it would suddenly cause a problem.

As it turns out, the problem was rendered moot by the host computer
suddenly dying. I've moved one of the clients out as the host and it
shares just fine with the 3rd machine. I've ordered a router and
hopefully that will handle sharing more smoothly when it arrives.

Thanks again,

---->Sagittaria<----

It is a poor day if one hasn't laughed.