Setting Up the Clients
 

The client machines don't require any special software; just a properly installed, network-capable operating system (such as Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP - or even Unix, FreeBSD, Linux, or Mac. Do the following for each client machine that will be using the shared connection: (Note that these details are for Windows 2000 clients; check out the main ICS page for other platforms.)

• Double-click on the Network and Dial-up Connections icon in Control Panel, or right-click on the My Network Places desktop icon and select Properties. www.tartoos.com
• Here, you should have at least one connection listed for your Local Area Connection. If it's not there, your network is not ready - install the proper hardware and software (described above) and try again. Any other connections can be ignored, although you may want to disable them for now (right-click and select Disable).
• Right-click on the entry corresponding to your local area connection, and select Properties. www.tartoos.com
• Among the installed components listed in the General tab, the following should be checked here
  • Client for Microsoft Networks
  • Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
• If NetBEUI is checked for this connection, un-check it now. It's not needed, and may prevent ICS from working.
• Next, highlight the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) entry and click Properties.
• Choose the Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically options.
• Click Advanced, and make sure the various lists in the IP Settings, DNS, and WINS tabs are all empty.
• Click Ok and then Ok again when you're done. (Most likely, Windows 2000 will not make you restart, although if you are prompted, do so now.)
• Once these steps have been performed, Internet Connection Sharing should be in effect, and all connected and properly-configured client computers should have access. You can test each client by loading a web page or using some other Internet application (e.g. Ping, telnet, etc.). www.tartoos.com

Troubleshooting
Ideally, you shouldn't have to install any software or do any more configuration on any of the clients. However, this isn't an ideal world, so if this doesn't work as expected, try the following:

• You know that ICS is working if you have Internet access on at least one client. If you don't, the first thing to do is to make sure the Internet connection is working on the host computer. Conversely, if one client is working, and another isn't, it's definitely a problem with that client.
• If you're sharing an ethernet-based connection, such as DSL or a cable modem, make sure the host computer has two network cards.
• Go back through Setting Up the Host and Setting Up the Clients and make sure all the necessary components and protocols are properly installed.
• Check to see if you have any firewall software installed on the host or clients; for that matter, check for any installed software or settings that might be inappropriate to the type of connection you have.
• If you're using special connection software for use with your DSL or cable (such as the feeble NTS Enternet 300 software), you may have to change some settings to get ICS to work.
• If all else fails, try uninstalling the two connections on the host computer, and then reinstalling the necessary drivers. (This has been known to work on more than one occasion.)