Sharing the Internet Connection using Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) on Windows XP
 

1. Test the Internet
 

Bring up internet explorder and test your Internet connection. You should be able to access the internet from this computer. Do not proceed until you are successful.
 

On the computer which is physically connected to the Internet, the network properties ("Start", "Settings", "Control Panel", "Networking", "Properties") should have the something like the following in the list:
 
1x Client for Microsoft networks
1x Ethernet Adapter (10/100)

1x Dial-up Adapter (or ADSL Adapter)
1x TCP/IP -> Ethernet 10/100 Adapter

1x TCP/IP -> Dial-Up Adapter

1x NetBEUI -> Ethernet 10/100 Adapter

1x NetBEUI -> Dial-Up Adapter

 

If you are missing any of the above, these can be installed with the 'Add' button. IPX is not needed and can be removed if required.

2. Setting up ICS
 

Now that your network is running and your ICS computer can reach the Internet, it is time to install ICS.

 

3. Time to install and Configure ICS.

 

Now that your ICS computer can talk to the internet AND your home network, it is time to install ICS.  The first thing you should do is rename your network connections to something recognizable. The default is ‘Local Area Connection’ and ‘Local Area Connection 2’. Click the start menu and right click on ‘My Network Places’ and select Properties. Rename your existing connections. In this example I will have one ‘Internet’ and the other ‘Home Network’.

 

4. Setting up Internet Connection Sharing

 

Right click on your newly named ‘Internet’ connection and select properties. Click the ‘Sharing’ tab at the top of the window. Next click on the only checkbox available, ‘Enable Internet Connection Sharing…’. Click OK, and then ‘YES’ on the dialog box that appears explaining your new IP schema (don’t worry about this message). That’s it!

 

 

5. Securing your Windows XP ICS computer

 

Microsoft File Sharing should never be ‘bound’ to any network adapter that talks directly to the internet. In the current state of your system, ‘File and Print Sharing’ could be exposing your computer to hackers on the internet. It is very important that you follow the next steps.

 

Go back to your Network Connections and Right click on the ‘Internet’ Connection and click properties. Uncheck the checkboxes next to ‘File and Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks’ and the one next to ‘Client for Microsoft Networks’. Next, click the ‘Personal Firewall’ tab and make sure it is enabled. Your computer is now a bit more secure.

 

Note:  You should leave 'Client for Microsoft Networks' and 'file and print sharing' checked (turned on) on your home network connection.  You should also ensure the personal firewall is turned off for the home network connection.

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