Problem connecting Dimension 4600c via Internet Connection Sharing.

Question

I have two Dell Dimension 4600c computers 1 of which isn't connecting to my other computer which is set for Internet Connection Sharing.  I originally put Windows Server 2003 which worked but after formatting it and putting on Windows XP SP1 the Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller was installed the link light won't light up on the back of the pc.   I'm using a Linksys 10/100 5 port workgroup hub has a connecting link between both computers.  I'm using an Actiontec DSL Modem with Wireless Gateway GT701WG which works great and connects to the Internet.  I have the Windows Firewall disabled on my main computer but am using Norton Internet Security 2005 on it.  Any suggestions on how to get my network card to work?  The Actiontec Modem works great when I connect to XBox Live.

_Paladin · Answer

bosston,

Your modem is a modem/router combination unit. You should not be using ICS at all. Both PCs should be configured to Obtain an IP Address Automatically. There is no need for ICS and will cause problems if both it and the GT701WG are trying to assign address at the same time.

Since the GT701WG only has one ethernet port I understand the need for the switch. It should be cabled from its uplink port to the GT701WG. You will not be able to use the ethernet port immediately adjacent to the uplink port. When the uplink port is in use, that port is disabled. It sounds like you have 3 devices on your LAN, the 2 PCs and the xbox, so you have enough ports in the switch.

Are you sure you have installed the Broadcom driver? Open Device Manager and check for yellow bangs. You may need to install the chipset drivers first and then other drivers.

bosston · Answer

I did update drivers now on the Broadcom 440x 10/100 Ehthernet Controller on both machines.  The original date was 12/2002 and the current date is 6/30/2003 so both machines are working.  How can I disable the Internet Connection Sharing because the 2nd machine is obtaining the ip address via DHCP.  The ip address 192.168.0.4

bosston · Answer

I get a balloon that pops up on the the host computer saying Internet Connection Sharing is now enabled.  I went into the Advanced options and unchecked the File and Printing Sharing service.  Also, when I go into the Local Area Connection properties I have an Internet Gateway that says Local Area Connection on Linux IGD and I tried disabling that and it says the connection is busy and I can't disable it.

_Paladin · Answer

bosston,   Truthfully, I do not think you have ICS enabled.  Why do you think that ICS is enabled?  The 192.168.0.4 IP address is a valid address from the GT701WG.  It can also be a valid ICS address.  So the PC is communicating with a DHCP server somewhere in your LAN.  Has the link light illuminated?   In a correct ICS setup, the ICS host (the machine connecting to the internet) is the only computer with ICS enabled.  The ICS host acts like a router.  The other computers in the network (ICS clients) would be configured to obtain an IP address automatically.  To disable ICS, you perform the reverse procedure for enabling ICS -- on the ICS host only.  If you have in fact enabled ICS on the second D4600c, to disable it open the properties of the local area connection and select the Advanced tab.  There will be an 'Internet Connection Sharing' section below the 'Internet Connection Firewall' section.  Uncheck the 'Allow other network users to connect......' checkbox.  But I do not think you will even have an 'Internet Connection Sharing' section.   Please explain the exact symptoms you are experiencing.  Have you tried pinging any internet addresses?  From a Command Prompt ping 4.2.2.1 (a DNS server on the internet.)  What are the results?  Try to ping dell.com.  Post back.

_Paladin · Answer

bosston,   You're making this really hard.  I do not care about the Windows Firewall or File and Printer Sharing.  As best I can tell, we are trying to disable ICS on the #1 PC, where you get a baloon telling you ICS is enabled.   On PC #1, go back to the Local Area Connection Properties.  Click the Advanced tab and disable ICS, if it is enabled, using the procedure previously mentioned.

_Paladin · Answer

bosston,   You said 'I went into the Advanced options and unchecked the File and Printing Sharing service.'  Why did you do that?  It has nothing to do with ICS.   The Linux IGD may be your GT701WG, although I will not swear to it.  And it should appear on the Network Connections window, not the Local Area Connection Properties.  You can't disable it because it is currently in use.   Go back to the Local Area Connection Properties.  Click the Advanced tab and disable ICS, if it is enabled, using the procedure previously mentioned.   I assume you are not using the USB interface that is available on the GT701WG.  Physical connectivity should be: phone line connected to the GT701WG.  Switch uplink port connected to the ethernet port in the GT701WG.  Each PC connected via ethernet to the switch.  Do not use LAN port 1 on the switch.  It is disabled because you are using the uplink port.  All three ethernet connections should be with straught through cat5 cables.

bosston · Answer

I am not using the USB tab.  If I go into the Local Area Connections properties under the Exceptions tab under the Windows Firewall on my host computer I have these services checked:  Group Policy option says No next to each service.   File and Print Sharing Incoming Connection VPN (L2TP) Incoming Connection VPN (PPTP) IP Security (IPSec - IKE) iTunes msdltc Remote Assistance Remote Assistance Remote Desktop UPnP Framework Windows Messenger

bosston · Answer

Under the Local Area Connections properties there is the General, Authentication, Advanced tabs.  Under the Advanced tab all I have is the Windows Firewall Settings... button with 3 more tabs when you click on that and that's all I have.

bosston · Answer

I probably don't have ICS turned on.

_Paladin · Answer

bosston,

OK, this is good. From your description, the Advanced tab has the section entitled "Internet Connection Firewall" and that is where the ICF Settings button is. If this device, the Local Area Connection, was eligible to run ICS, there would be an "Internet Connection Sharing" section under the "Internet Connection Firewall" section. As you have described it, that area is empty. There is no "Internet Connection Sharing" section at all.

Are there any other Connections on the Network Connections screen? If there are, make sure none of them have Internet Connection Sharing enabled.

All of the above are referring to computer #1, where the ICS enabled message is appearing.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Problem connecting Dimension 4600c via Internet Connection Sharing.

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