By Steve Winograd

ICS Intro
ICS Install
ICS Server
ICS Server – Multiple LAN
ICS Client

Manual TCP/IP setup

Auto TCP/IP setup

ICS Troubleshoot
ICS Configuration
ICS Configuration Maps
Special Applications

 

 

 

 

 

If you don’t have your computers connected together into a network, you’d better start here for a cable modem/DSL/broadband connection or here for a dialup connection.  Come back here when you get to the Choose Sharing Method page by choosing the Use ICS option.

If you are running Win98SEgo here for ICS installation information.

If you are running Win2000, you don’t have to install ICS.  Go here for more info.

attentionsml-5939764NOTE! You need to install WinMe only on the computer that you want to install ICS on.   The other computers on your network can run on any operating system, as long as it supports the TCP/IP protocol.

WARNING #1! If you already have another sharing application like Sygate or Wingate installed, UNINSTALL IT before installing ICS.  Some sharing programs (ICS included) take control of one or more of your Network adapters and/or Protocols.  The last thing you need is a fight among these programs for control of your Network!

WARNING #2! If any of your client computers are set to “Obtain an IP address automatically” (from a DHCP server), SHUT DOWN those computers before you install ICS.

The reason for this is to make sure that the IP information assigned by the old DHCP server doesn’t interfere with the information assigned by the ICS DHCP server.

If you do get conflicts, you’ll probably get a popup message on the two machines that are conflicting.  Reboot BOTH machines that are conflicting and you should be all set.

WARNING #2a! Some users report better results by setting all NICs (including the second NIC in the computer that you are installing ICS on) to “Obtain an IP address automatically”.  My install worked with a manually assigned IP address in the second NIC, but setting all NICs to “Obtain an IP address automatically” gives ICS maximum flexibility in setting itself up.

WARNING #3! If you’re going to share a broadband connection with ICS, you’ll need two Network Adapters in the computer that you install ICS on.  (The ICS installer will check for the proper network configuration and won’t let the install proceed if it’s incorrect.)

tip_hp-6690026Tip: With the many alternatives in Network adapters and broadband “modems” today, the “two Network Adapters” requirement can be a little confusing.  See this page for help!

tip_hp-6690026 Tip:If your computer has USB ports, you can use a USB to Ethernet adapter to easily add a second NIC.  Check this page for more information.

WARNING #4! Install ICS only on the computer that is connected directly to the Internet.  This will be the computer that is connected to your cable, DSL or dialup modem.

WARNING #5! If you’re upgrading from Win98SE to WinMe and have previously installed ICS, un-install ICS before upgrading and re-install it after the upgrade is finished.

Let’s get started with your ICS installation!

Follow the steps below to install ICS on WinMe.

  • Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. 

  • Click on the Windows Setup tab, let Windows find the installed components.

  • Double click on the Communications icon, check the Internet Connection Sharing box and click OK to close the Communications window and OK to close the Add/Remove Programs window.

ICS will install and then launch the Home Networking Wizard.

The Wizard can configure a computer as an ICS client or host.  Since this is the host, click the button to specify that it uses a direct connection to your ISP.  In this example, I’m setting up for a cable modem connection.

Click the down arrow to see a list of adapters which can be shared.  Be sure you choose the adapter (NIC) that is attached to your cable modem.  If you don’t choose the correct NIC, ICS won’t install correctly and you’ll probably have to remove and reinstall it and try again.

The window above asks you to select the network adapter which connects to your home network.  Click the down arrow to see a list of available adapters.  The one that you specified as the shared adapter in the previous window won’t appear.

The Home Networking Wizard can create a Setup disk, which contains a version of the Home Networking Wizard that you can run on other computers to configure their network properties.  You can make the same settings manually that it does.  In my opinion, you can skip this next step.  Just make sure the other computers are configured to connect directly to the Internet or via a LAN.

Me ICS Wizard - Step 5

If you answered Yes to make the Setup disk, you’re prompted to insert a floppy disk.  The Wizard will delete all files on the disk before writing to it.

Me ICS Wizard - Step 6

This screen appears while it’s writing the disk.

Me ICS Wizard - Step 7

At this screen, click Finish to complete the ICS installation.

Me ICS Wizard - Step 8

When the Wizard is finished, it prompts you to remove the floppy disk and reboot.  Click Yes.

Me ICS Wizard - Step 9

If you’ve done everything right, upon reboot, ICS should be installed and running.  Let’s go see what ICS looks like when it’s installed.