Any home network experts out there? Help!!
 

OK so here's the story....We currently run a wired network between 2 computers. One is my laptop which runs XP and used to have the main internet connection (ie dialup). The other computer is a desktop and now that we've upgraded our connection to cable/broadband/whatever you call it, it now has the computer connection. With me so far?

My problem is I am unable to access the internet through the laptop. I think it's something to do with the IP address as the network setting shows limited connectivity so when I click on "repair" it tries to fix the IP addy. The main connection is now set to find the IP addy automatically whereas the old dial up had an IP addy as part of the settings. Any ideas on how to fix this?

Apologies if I'm not computer savvy and feel free to ask for clarification for anything I've written. I've been trying to setup my connection for the past 3 hours and my brain could be partially fried. :(

Just buy a simple router, shouldn't cost you more than $40 at any store that sells computer equipment. Windows' internet connection sharing is notoriously unreliable, and a pain to deal with.

We are probably missing a little more information on the configuration.... Are you using a router of some sort between your "broadband connection" and the desktop PC, and the laptop? You probably have some sort of DSL box, or cable modem that was provided with your new connection. Where does the cable (called a CAT5, or ethernet cable) from that go? Can you describe exactly how the wiring goes? Does the desktop PC work OK? It sounds like the laptop is looking for a DHCP server to provide a local IP address, which would normally be supplied by a router of some sort (that you would supply)... If it doesn't see a DHCP server, it will assume a local address, but not one that connects with anything, thus the "limited connectivity".... It sounds like all you need is the router, which you should be able to get locally... I guess I'm surprised they didn't provide more help connecting up your two systems....

Edit: Yeh, what evilroot said.... Lot's of stuff online on the use of routers, and examples given with most units..... They are cheap!

Ah!! That sounds familiar!

To answer the questions:

I have a D-Link modem/router which connects the internet to the desktop. It has both ethernet and USB connections. I'm using the USB for the internet connection and then an ethernet cable between the 2 computers (which has always been in place).

The desktop is working perfectly (thus this post!). Maybe I should look into the router's menu which I had to set up. That DHCP thingie rings a bell.

ETA: I just found the DHCP settings in the router menu & I also checked the troubleshooting at D Link's website. It would appear that all I need to do is add my laptop's MAC address & assign an IP. However, I tried that & now it says that the MAC address is not valid! Ergggg.....

Don't worry about the settings for the D-Link - just make sure "enable DHCP server" - your problem is now the connection between the desktop and the notebook.

On the desktop, recheck your network settings (Network Connections/(Right Click)Properties/Local Area Connection). On the "Advanced" tab check the "Internet Sharing" is still checked - that can easily change if you change configuration. On the "General" tab open the "Internet Protocol" properties, which should show "Obtain an IP address automatically". A good tip here is to then open the "Advanced" button at the bottom right and add "Default Gateway" to be "192.168.0.1" which is the IP address for the D-Link router.

On the laptop, follow the above procedure - although you can ignore the "Internet Sharing" part of it.

Shut down everything. Then restart D-Link first, desktop second, laptop third.

Thank you everyone! My faith in the flyertalk guys is once more vindicated. I just knew this would be the place to come for help.

Willyroo, it would appear that my settings on the desktop did NOT have the internet sharing checked.

It sounds like you have things working OK now with the Internet Connection Sharing.

That being said, I will echo the previous recommendation to acquire a router to manage the sharing rather than using ICS. Now that you're always online you are going to be much more prone to intrusive attacks from the Internet. Having a hardware device present will help protect you and your computer from these attacks. It is a very worthwhile investment.

S.

It sound like he has one of those combo modem/routers. The laptop should be plugged directly to the modem/router just like the desktop is. If there is no place to plug it in to the modem/router, then you will need a router separate from the modem. If you do that, the DHCP server on the modem needs to be turned off Use the DHCP server on the router instead). Then run modem to router and two wires, one going to desktop, and one going to laptop.