I know it might be a newbie question, but I have the following problem:

I am using two computers , laptop and desktop. Both of them have Win Xp professional version. They form LAN with a cable. The desktop computer connects to the Internet with Wi-Fi. I want to use it to connect to the Internet with laptop computer through the desktop. But when I enable lan network on the desktop computer, connection to the Internet immediately stops working.  What should I change?Why not connect the laptop via Wi-Fi, also?1.  Okay...  Well I've never setup Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) on a "wireless" connection; but I think it will work.

2.  Crossover Cable.  You'll need a "crossover" ethernet cable to connect the laptop computer to the desktop through their "wired" network connectors.  I'd configure the desktop computer for ICS before physically connecting the two computers together.

Note:  It's supposed to be a "crossover" cable, but if ONE (or more?) of the network adaptors has automatic crossover implemented and enabled, a "straight" through ethernet cable might work.

3.  Reference(s).  For the documentation in the following links, the desktop will be the "host" ICS computer and the laptop will be the "CLIENT" ICS computer.
     a.  Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) in Microsoft Windows
     b.  ICS Host Computer Setup in Windows XP
     c.  Internet Connection Sharing – ICS Client Computer Setup

4.  Satisfaction Not Guaranteed.  If you successfully enable ICS through the "wireless" adaptor of desktop, the desktop must be on for laptop internet access and you'll be limited by its processing power, processing load, and the throughput rate of its "wireless" connection.

Although you should be able to "surf" the internet and perform "normal" downloads through the ICS connection, there are functional limitations that a normal connection doesn't have.  I just don't remember what they are...

5.  Recommendation:
     a.  Add "wireless" network adaptor to laptop and connect directly to internet through your wireless home router (or wireless access point).  USB interface works well for this.
     b.  Ensure host ICS computer (desktop) has box checked for "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection" on the "ADVANCED" tab for its wireless network connection. Quote from: soybean on January 02, 2010, 03:10:14 PM

Why not connect the laptop via Wi-Fi, also?

Thx it solved my problem.

Thx it solved my problem.