Trouble sharing between 7 and XP?

Lately I've been trying to share my internet with my dads computer via crossover cable. My computer runs Windows 7, his XP.

I've got both computers setup to the point that they can see each other under network place.

On my computer, it shows his computer has a connection, and "has" internet access. His computer says nothing about having internet access, and doesn't have internet. Meanwhile my computer is telling me his connection is an "Unidentified Network" and therefore I can't change any of its settings. Something I am missing?

Once the computers can see eachother, about 10 minutes later it tells me his connection has gone from "internet access" to "no network access"

When both computers were setup to ip assign IP's automatically they would never see eachother. I have them setup to use 192.168.1.7 and 192.168.1.8 and they use subnet mask 255.255.255.0 with a gateway of 192.168.1.1.

Any input is appreciated, as the second computer is really useless without internet

Also, none of the other ICS threads, unidentified network threads, any threads at all really have helped me. Before someone suggests searching :P

I'm not actually sure which of the computers is connected to the internet. However, in the PC which is connected, you need to enable "Internet Connection Sharing" on the actual internet connection (Modem connection). When you do this, Windows will allocate the IP address 192.168.0.1 to the "Local Area Connection" with which you're connecting to the other computer via the "crossover" cable. The "Client" PC gets its IP address automatically by DHCP from the Host PC. Don't change this IP addressing setup.

Why does everyone assume its that simple? I've tried all of this. Sharings been on the entire time. I literally UNPLUGGED my XBOX and plugged his computer in. The Xbox shared the internet just fine as soon as I plugged it in and allowed sharing.

Theres something actually WRONG here which i can't seem to get across to anyone. I've posted on 4 different forums now and never get anything more than "turn sharing on" and "let it obtain IP's automatically."

If it was that easy it would work already.

The computers dont obtain anything automatically, I had to assign IPs myself to get ANY progress. The computers can see eachother on the network, but only for a short period of time, then it defaults back to "no network access" for his computer. While it says his access is "internet" he has no internet, but I can view files on his computer from mine.

And when I have it set to let DHCP assign IP's, the assigned IP for the LAN is 169.254.51.203 subnet 255.255.0.0.

According to ipconfig /all

Enable ICS on the actual internet connection in the Host PC and then check that the network adapter that you're connecting to the "client" device with does have the address 192.168.0.1 (allocated by Windows). This is essential. If that has happened, then run ipconfig /all in a Command Prompt window and check that it says "IP Routing Enabled...Yes".

Why does everyone assume its that simple?

Because it really should be that simple. While allocating IP addresses yourself may get the computers "talking", ICS isn't going to work that way.

2KXJ said:

And when I have it set to let DHCP assign IP's, the assigned IP for the LAN is 169.254.51.203 subnet 255.255.0.0.

According to ipconfig /all

You're missing the point. Windows allocates the Host PC's IP address when you enable ICS. It is a fixed IP address of 192.168.0.1 with Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0 - there are no Default Gateway or DNS Server addresses, because that connection is not connecting to the internet. The Client PC does get its addresses by DHCP from the Host PC.

K both PC's are set to automatic IP assignment now. Once I set them back to that, the ICS box unchecked and now I can't re-check it.

It gives me

"An error occurred while internet connection sharing was being enabled

(null)"

So now I'm even further back than I was?

Ontop of the fact I have to disable the LAN connection or I lose internet on my computer now.

It seems everytime I change a setting, it screws up 10 other things.

Doesnt even pick up on the XBOX anymore....another "unidentified network"

I'm going to kill Bill Gates.

2KXJ said:

Lately I've been trying to share my internet with my dads computer via crossover cable.

Hello 2KXJ;

I understand your frustration. This may be a really dumb question to ask, but the "crossover cable" you are using, is it a USB cable or a network cable?

I have never been successful setting up ICS (Internet Connection Sharing). Too frustrating for me. Please may I suggest to you a used wired router can be had for a few bucks (like $25 USD) and makes sharing Internet access on a home network a breeze compared to ICS?

Cheers!
Robert