How to share internet connection over LAN ?

[Ariel Miercoledi]

Your problem is complex & would require a lot of technical details to answer it completely.

But I think you're trying to set up an internet connection for two or more computers to use.

Using your desktop as a server is an outdated method for such a small network. You're best off obtaining a router. The router will essentially act as the server, in laymen terms; it will take the automatically-assigned DNS & IP. Then it will be 192.168.0.1, & it will automatically assign .0.2 & .0.3 & so-on to the computers you connect.

I recommend a Wireless-N router from Belkin or Netgear.

I hope this helps & apologize if I've misunderstood what you're trying to do.


----- ***UPDATE*** (now that i know you don't want new hardware) -----

On the Desktop, go to your Network Connections (from Control Panel). Find the connection in the list, right-click it & select Properties. Under the Advanced Tab should be Internet Connection Sharing. Select something like "Allow other users to use the internet" & save the settings by pressing OK.

According to the network, the Desktop is now 192.168.0.1.

On the Laptop, right-click Local Area Connection in Network Connections & select Properties. Under General there should be Internet Protocol or TCP/IP in the list. Select it & click Properties. Now click "Obtain IP Address Automatically" & press OK.

Reset the computers & modem & see if it works. If it does not:

On the Laptop, get back to TCP/IP Properties, but instead of "Obtain IP Address Automatically" set it manually to these:

IP: 192.168.0.2
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.0.1

Save that, Reset everything & see if it works.

I'll check back in a while or you can email me at ariel@meerkat.cc, i'll be happy to help.