Windows 7 Windows 7 ICS issues

[knight52]

I had a working computer with Windows XP and was a heavy user of the ICS function. Windows XP's ICS worked like a dream while Windows 7's (and Vista also) ICS is downright terrible, either that or I did something wrong.

I have a USB based internet connection (a 3G Wirelsss Mobile Broadband to be exact), and I have no router between computer A (host) and computer B (guest/client) when using ICS.

The problem is, ICS on Windows Vista/7 has given me so much glitch issues on my guest computer. This also means my PS3 and Xbox360 has issues downloading files off the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live, they end up corrupted every time. When posting on a forum on a guest PC, all my paragraphs would consolidate together and a plethora of other errors in my post's contents. It was embarrassing posting on a forum.

On XP all I had to do is to create a network bridge and share my 3G Mobile connection with the bridge and everything was simple. On Windows 7/Vista I followed instructions on the MS website, which was less than helpful. I really, really need this function to work like it should. And it better work without me pouring a fortune into a router specifically made for my model of the mobile broadband modem. XP did it, why can't 7?

Please help, thanks in advance.

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you are facing some challenges with Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) on Windows Vista and 7 compared to your experience with Windows XP. While Windows XP's ICS worked effectively for you, transitioning to Windows 7/Vista has brought about various issues, especially with your USB-based internet connection (3G Wireless Mobile Broadband). Here are some steps and considerations to improve your experience with ICS on Windows 7/Vista:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Check Network Adapters:
   • Ensure that both your host and guest computers have properly configured network adapters.
   • Disable any virtual network adapters that might interfere with the ICS setup.
   []Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) Setup:
   • Set up ICS by sharing the internet connection from your host computer to the guest.
   • Verify that the ICS settings are correctly configured on both computers.
   []Firewall Settings:
   • Adjust the firewall settings on both computers to allow ICS traffic.
   • Check that the Windows Firewall is not blocking shared connections.
   []Network Bridge:
   • Instead of using the network bridge method, try setting up ICS directly without creating a bridge.
   • Sometimes, creating a separate network without a bridge can resolve connectivity issues.
   []Device Compatibility:
   • Ensure that your USB-based internet connection device is compatible with Windows 7/Vista.
   • Check for any updated drivers or firmware for your mobile broadband modem.
   []PS3 and Xbox360 Issues:
   • If your gaming consoles are experiencing download issues, ensure that the network settings on these devices are correctly configured.
   • Test the internet connection directly on each console to rule out any issues specific to ICS.
   []Forum Posting Errors:
   • If posting on forums from the guest PC results in formatting errors, check if the browser settings are causing issues.
   • Clear the browser cache and cookies to eliminate any potential conflicts.
2. Router Consideration:
   • While using a router can simplify network management, it should not be a mandatory requirement for ICS to function properly.
   • If feasible, consider testing ICS with a basic router to see if it resolves any compatibility issues.

     Additional Tips:​

     • Network Configuration: Double-check IP, DNS, and gateway settings on both computers to ensure they are correctly configured.
     • Updates: Make sure both computers are up to date with the latest Windows updates and drivers.
     • Testing: Test the ICS setup with different configurations to isolate the root cause of the issues.
     By following these steps and considering the tips provided, you should be able to enhance the performance and stability of Internet Connection Sharing on your Windows 7/Vista setup. Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance or encounter any specific issues during the troubleshooting process.