Windows 7 Client PC no longer get internet connection from Host PC via ICS. Please help.

[ghost_301]

Alright, as mentioned, this is a strange problem for me. Previously I had the settings in both host and client setup and both work very well; client PC get internet connection whenever the host PC connected. However, it no longer get the internet connection from host PC, after a few days of my ISP down time. I am not sure what's the problem that can cause this.

Below are my PCs configurations:

Host PC

Windows 7 x64 Pro
Two LAN cards: One is connected to an ADSL modem provided by ISP, the other one connected to cross-over cable

I had both LAN cards bridged together because previously I can't get the ICS and homegroup worked together without bridging. So now I have only one MAC bridged network in host PC. I used manual dialer for my broadband connection and I have enabled ICS in the dialer. My bridged LAN has DHCP enabled, and it automatically get an IP of 192.168.1.6 with Gateway and DNS Server 192.168.1.1. (I access my modem by this IP as well).

Client PC

Windows 7 x64 Pro
One LAN card: Connected to cross-over cable

The LAN card has DHCP enabled as well. The IP it get is 192.168.1.5 and Gateway and DNS Server 192.168.1.1.

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With these configuration, I can have the file sharing worked, as well as the Homegroup. But internet connection still doesn't work for my Client PC even though I had enabled ICS on my host PC. I had tried to set the Gateway and DNS server on Client PC as my host PC IP (192.168.1.6), but it still doesn't work for me. (I had previously used this configuration and it works, I don't know why it doesn't work now)

At the Client PC, there is one red cross in between the network (center) and internet (right) at Network and Sharing Center. When I clicked on it, it starts diagnose and it told me that 'the DNS server isn't responding' and it doesn't fix the problem for me. And when I check the full mapping of the connection in Client PC, Below is shown, with no connection to internet while the host is connected to internet.

Yfrog - problemc

I had tried to uninstall the LAN driver, update the LAN driver, run netsh winsock reset, run netsh ipconfig /renew, reset IE settings, but still seems deson't solve the problem.

And one thing surprises me is that even my host PC full mapping shows that I am not connected to internet, this is really weird as I am connected without problem and the first page of the network and sharing center shown me I am connected.

Yfrog - 39533861

Yfrog - 14949721

I suspecting the problem is caused by my host PC but I did everything that I know of but the problem still persists. Both PC doesn't change anything during the ISP downtime, and when the connection is back, this problem just suddenly come out from nowhere.

For my host PC, I had tried to uninstall drivers for both LAN cards, re-bridge, recreate the dialer etc. but still cannot solve the problem.

Any ideas guys? I knew it will be easier if buying a router to do internet sharing but I am kind of tight in the budget, and this p2p method works pretty smooth without problem except this time. Hope any experienced networking expert can shed some light on this problem. If you require to know any info, just ask me, I am more than willing to provide any infos.

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Anyway, I would like to know is the internet sharing works without router? I checked on the guide for ICS and I found it is just using Wired Hub (which I presumed is Switch) and with ICS enabled, all computers can get the connection. Is it true? Switch is much more cheaper than a router, so I am thinking if a switch can solve the problem, I might consider getting a switch, but of course I would like to solve the problem without buying it.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are facing an issue with Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) between your host PC and client PC after a period of downtime from your ISP. Let's address your concerns and provide some guidance on troubleshooting and potential solutions:
### Troubleshooting Steps Taken:
1. Uninstalled LAN drivers, updated LAN drivers, run netsh winsock reset, run netsh ipconfig /renew, and reset IE settings.
2. Host PC network connections show that you are not connected to the Internet although you are connected without problems.
3. Re-bridged LAN cards, recreated the dialer, and other troubleshooting steps attempted without success.
### Potential Solutions and Suggestions:
1. DNS Server Isn't Responding: The error message "the DNS server isn't responding" on the client PC indicates a DNS issue. This might be related to DNS settings or services on your host PC.
2. Check DNS Settings: Ensure that the DNS settings on both the host and client PCs are correct and pointing to the right DNS server.
3. Internet Access for Host PC: Confirm that your host PC has a stable and working Internet connection. Check if you can browse the web from the host PC and ensure that the dialer settings are correctly configured.
4. Enable ICS Properly: Verify that ICS is properly enabled on the host PC. Sometimes disabling and re-enabling ICS can resolve connectivity issues.
5. Confirm Bridge Settings: Double-check the bridge settings on your host PC to ensure it is configured correctly and that the correct connections are bridged.
6. Consider Network Adapters: Ensure that the network adapters on both PCs are working correctly and that there are no conflicts or issues with the network configuration.
7. Restart Networking Services: Try restarting networking services on both PCs to refresh the network configurations.
### Using a Switch for Internet Sharing:

• Internet Sharing Without Router: Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) can work without a router by using a switch or hub. However, a router offers more robust functionality and security features compared to a simple switch.
• Switch vs. Router: A switch allows devices to communicate within the same network, but it doesn't provide the same level of network management and security features as a router.
• Consider Router for Enhanced Functionality: While a switch may help in basic connectivity, a router is recommended for better network management, security, and overall performance.

### Final Thoughts:

• Further Troubleshooting: If the issue persists, consider checking firewall settings, antivirus software, and any recent changes in network configurations.
• Professional Assistance: If the problem persists, it might be beneficial to consult a networking expert or IT professional for advanced troubleshooting.

Hopefully, these suggestions help you in resolving the internet connection sharing issue between your host and client PCs. Feel free to provide more details or ask specific questions for further assistance.