How to Share a Modem or Internet Connection With Another Computer

Windows Internet Sharing allows networked computers to use one Internet connection. For instance, if you have a mobile broadband card from your mobile phone provider, you can use this Internet connection with your other computers on your home network.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two networked computers
• One modem or Internet connection

How to Configure the Host Computer

1. Boot up the host computer (the computer with the Internet connection).

2. Log in using the Administrator or Owner account.

3. Click "Start" on the bottom left and select "Control Panel."

4. Click on "Network and Internet Connections."

5. Click on "Network Connections."

6. Right-click the connection you want to share and click on "Properties."

7. Check the checkbox next to "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection" under "Internet Connection Sharing."

8. Click "OK"

9. Click "Yes" after you see the following:
   
   "When Internet Connection Sharing is enabled, your LAN adapter will be set to use IP address 192.168.0.1. Your computer may lose connectivity with other computers on your network. If these other computers have static IP addresses, it is a good idea to set them to obtain their IP addresses automatically. Are you sure you want to enable Internet Connection Sharing?"

How to Set Up the Client Computer

10. Log into the "client" computer (the computer that does not have an Internet connection, but is on your network).

11. Click "Start" and select "Control Panel."

12. Click on "Network and Internet Connections" and select "Network Connections."

13. Right-click "Local Area Connection."

14. Click on "Properties."

15. Click the tab labeled "General," then under "This Connection uses the following items," select "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)."

16. Click on "Properties."

17. In the "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties box, select the "Obtain an IP address automatically" option.

18. Click "OK"

19. Click "OK" again in the "Local Area Connection Properties" box.

Tips & Warnings

• Each computer must have a unique IP address. If you manually assign IP Addresses and accidentally use the same IP for two computers, one of the computer's network connections will shut down. It's recommended that you set the "client" computer to obtain IP addresses automatically to prevent this from happening.

Resources

• Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: "How To Set Up Internet Sharing"

[mychucky]

on 7/24/2008 Don't you need a crossover cable to do this if it is only one other computer and you don't have a hub or switch?

[imagery]

on 1/2/2008 Good article. I have found that if you are using Zone Alarm you need to identify both computers as "trusted" to permit file sharing and printing.