Sharing problems w/ ICS

[MIDIman]

I have just finally successfully gotten two computers up and running, sharing internet access. The path is:

out cable box USB -> computer#1 (fresh install) -> ethernet out -> switch port1. computer #2 (very old install) ethernet on port2.

TCP/IP is installed and netBIOS enabled on both macahines. Both are WinXP Pro. I have the ethernet port out of computer #1 as a static IP, and computer #2 is set to autodetect. Internet sharing works fine on both machines.

problems:
1) from computer #1, I'll go to network places -> entire windows network -> "mynetwork" -> computer #2
I can view the initial folders shared, but as soon as I try to go into one of the folders, this window locks up with a blank screen. After waiting, you get the (Not Responding). Ending the process 95% of the time crashes this machine.

2) from computer #2, I'll do the same thing, but on this machine, I get a login promt! The username is grayed out as "username/guest" and I have to type a password.

No clue what to do here - besides the fact that in the past, when I've done this exact same setup, I've never had these problems before.

It should be noted that I'm still getting an error with WMI on computer #2. See this post, even after trying the fix from Microsoft. But this was fixed on computer #1 after a fresh install of WinXP.

 

[JackMDS]

Disable ICS, and try this.

AnalogX Proxy.

 

[MIDIman]

May as well...will try it tonight I guess. Anyone else?

 

[MIDIman]

up - for other opinions? hate to mess things even more with new software.

 

[MIDIman]

OK - before I try out the software recommended:

1) If I goto My Network Places -> etc...to my network, and choose the same computer that I'm on, I see the folders shared. When I open one of them, it locks up explorer. SO - this happens on both local and remote machines!

2) Went through the system and removed trojans and spyware that was lurking

3) ICF is not choosable in the advanced properties of the LAN connection out of computer #1...how come? It is enabled on the incoming USB port on computer #1. ICF is disabled on computer #2

ANY CLUES?

 

[MIDIman]

ok how's about this?

On computer #1 under LAN Details I have:

IP Address - I set this, its right
Subnet - 255.255.255.0
then the other entries have nothing for them - Default Gateway, DNS Server, WINS Server


On computer #2 under Lan Details I have:
IP Address - assigned by computer #1, it makes sense and is different from computer #1's IP
Subnet Mask - 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway - the same number as IP Address for computer #1
DHCP Server - the same number as IP Address for computer #1
DNS Server - the same number as IP Address for computer #1
WINS Server - nothing there


Is all this right?

 

[JackMDS]

Well it seems that ICS problem is secondary to not having a functional Network.

Forget for few minutes ICS and Internet and make sure that you have a functional Network with working shares.

Log to the following page.

Scroll down, you will find info, and links to help with setup and sharing problems.

Link: Basic NetWorking.

 

[MIDIman]

...actually I can access the internet on both systems. The only "error" I'm getting is in the Advanced Tab of the LAN properties only on computer #2.

Will read up some more though I guess...

[EDIT]

OK Explain this!!

Clicked a folder shared on computer #2 from computer #1 and left it alone while I was reading up on the other computer...I then went to System Properties -> Netowork ID, went through the wizard as said on one of the tweaktown guides, changed the workgroup name, read up some more...

After about 10 minutes, looked back on computer #1, and sure enough, it was sitting in the folder I had clicked on. Copying files from it now. I clicked on a shared folder from computer #2 to see if I get the same result.

Why would it take so long to make this negotiation?

 

[Doh!]

Avoid using windows ICS at all cost. There are much bettter alternatives ($15 router for i.e.).

 

[MIDIman]

Originally posted by: Doh!
Avoid using windows ICS at all cost. There are much bettter alternatives ($15 router for i.e.).

Unfortunately no money right at the moment - but probably soon. I mostly want a router to avoid using ICF or a third party firewall, but it seems to be working fine for now. Are there any particular routers - brand name, etc - that you would recommend? Nothing fancy needed since its only two computers...


Can someone at least give some advice on troubleshooting the delay in trying to access a folder on either machine? Its literally 10 minutes before the access goes through and I can surf a folder.