Is it possible to access the internet connecting an Ethernet cable to a computer with internet access?

Question

I want to be able to access the internet on a desktop PC with Windows XP. I have a laptop with Windows Vista software on it and I was wondering is it possible to connect an ethernet cable to both computers and have the XP computer access the internet? I do not want to have the desktop directly connected to the router. I just want to be able to connect the ethernet cable to both PCs and be able to access the internet on the desktop.

Answer 1

XP has an option called ICS Internet connection sharing. It was designed to do what you are asking. Search Windows help for step by step instructions.

Trying to do this with Vista and XP may be a bit of a challenge. MS messed with the way Vista networks and I am not sure the 2 will play nice together.

Check the MS knowledge base for further help. I am almost positive you will need the utility from the link below to get anywhere

Good Luck

Answer 2

Only if you have 2 network interfaces on the machine connected to the internet.  I frequently do this using wireless and wired connections.  If the computer is connected with wireless, you can run a twisted ethernet cable from it's hardwired port to that on the other pc and then share the wireless connection with ICS.  Presto, connection on the 2nd machine.

Answer 3

Yes you can create a network bridge.But you must have internet on one computer that gets internet wirlessly from the router ..for example. your laptop recives internet via a wirless pci card or somthing.



Plug one end of your desktop to the laptop via ethernet cable.Then go on controll panel on your laptop and go to network connections.You must highlight the internet connection (router name or somthing) and the ethernet cable connection and click "bridge connection" and it should do it automaticly.

this can be done vice versa with the desktop getting internet wirlessly and so on.

My email adress is [e-mail] if you need more help. Happy networking :)