Internet Sharing in Win98

[JaxSon]

Ok, here we go...
I have a Pentium Desktop running Win98 and IE 6.0. It has my primary printer and internet connection.

I also have a Gateway Solo 9500 Notebook running Win98 SE and IE 6.0. I have successfully networked these two together via 10/100 Ethernet which enables me to share files and print out to my primary printer.

The Notebook running Win98 SE has an option for Internet Sharing. The Desktop running Win98 does not have that option.

How can I get my Desktop to allow my Notebook to get on the Internet? Or, can it even be done?

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

[Poseidon]

ICS is a feature included in Win98 SE.

Which version of Win98 is on your desktop?

An alternative would be to use third party software.
A free ultility from Analog X:Proxy (http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/network/proxy.htm) that will let you share one internet connection between multiple computers.

[Garak]

set the pc without net access's internet explorer to search net over lan and in tcp/ip setting put your main pc's ip address into the gateway - worked for me...

:D sorry if it isnt explained very well..

G.

[kato2274]

Originally posted by Poseidon
ICS is a feature included in Win98 SE.

Which version of Win98 is on your desktop?

An alternative would be to use third party software.
A free ultility from Analog X:Proxy (http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/network/proxy.htm) that will let you share one internet connection between multiple computers.



for cable or dsl I'm with posedon on analog x proxy. It's small and reliable. It's only downside is that it won't auto dial a modem. ICS is buggy and IMO difficult to troubleshoot. (everything can be configured perfectly and the stupid thing won't work)

another option for more tech savvy users is to use an old computer and a routing linux distribution like smoothwall to setup a hardware router. It's a free project if you have old hardware laying around, and it's rock solid reliable. (It's what I use at home.)

and last option of course is to buy a router/switch from best buy / compusa like models from dlink or linksys.

[JaxSon]

Well, it looks like the Analog X Proxy worked just fine. I had to go into the Readme file for directions on setting up the IP addresses, ports, etc. then reboot both machines. And now, it seems to be working great.

Thanks for the quick responses guys...you're all GRRRRREAT!!!

[JaxSon]

Well, hell...
Now it seems that I can't check my email through Proxy. Does anybody have any tips that weren't included in the Readme file? I have tried everything but it still times out trying to connect to the server. How can that be? The server it's trying to connect to is the Desktop. I can access the internet through the Desktop with no probs.
I'm using Outlook Express 6.0 as my email program.
Please, somebody help me!!! I'm sure I'm doing something wrong...

[imaeditedbysowulo]

You have to enable mail through AnalogX proxy and enter in the address of your ISP's pop and smtp server. Then on the client machine, you use your 'gateway' pc's IP address as both the pop and smtp server address for you mail.

[JaxSon]

Thanks ima...
but I've done all that.

Desktop's IP is 10.0.0.1. Laptop is 10.0.0.2. I can ping each other without any problems.

On the Desktop running Proxy, I have configured all of my email addresses and servers properly for my ISP. I have doublechecked and triplechecked.
On the Laptop, I have both of the pop3 servers and smtp servers set to 10.0.0.1.

The Proxy icon in the tray is green...which is good. Red is bad.

BTW, when I try to send mail out from the Laptop, it appears to go out...the Norton AV kicks in and says it's being scanned prior to sending out. Then, I noticed the Desktop's Norton AV kicked in also; as if it was scanning the outgoing msg also. But, the message was never received on the other end.

Any other suggestions?!?

[Poseidon]

I had it successfully setup and working a few years ago using the method you are trying with a dial up account.

Could this be part of the problem:

. . .One more thing to note about email; it will only support using a certain
username once; for example, you can't have bill@homecomputer.com and
bill@workcomputer.com; but you can have bill@homecomputer.com and sue@another.com.
In most cases this shouldn't be a problem for users, since most people have
different usernames for each account...

[imaeditedbysowulo]

Originally posted by JaxSon
Thanks ima...
but I've done all that.

Desktop's IP is 10.0.0.1. Laptop is 10.0.0.2. I can ping each other without any problems.

On the Desktop running Proxy, I have configured all of my email addresses and servers properly for my ISP. I have doublechecked and triplechecked.
On the Laptop, I have both of the pop3 servers and smtp servers set to 10.0.0.1.

The Proxy icon in the tray is green...which is good. Red is bad.

BTW, when I try to send mail out from the Laptop, it appears to go out...the Norton AV kicks in and says it's being scanned prior to sending out. Then, I noticed the Desktop's Norton AV kicked in also; as if it was scanning the outgoing msg also. But, the message was never received on the other end.

Any other suggestions?!?

I would disable the AV on both computers and see if it works.

I used analogx proxy for over a year, it's simple to set up and I know it works for mail. It sounds like you have everything set up properly, so I'm thinking your AV software must be the culprit. Maybe there's a setting in there you must tweak?

[-Senectus-]

go here and check it out.
http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/wd/showthread.php?s=&postid=300209#post300209

Its the soloution to you problem..
and its free.. :-)
Dump ICS.. in win98 se it was as buggy as all hell..

[JaxSon]

All of my email addresses have different user names. They all start with the same letter but are totally different after that.

I will try to disable the Norton AV next time I get a chance. That sounds like something to mess around with...

BTW followup: The outgoing email that I spoke about in the above post did make it to its destination. So, it seems that I can send outgoing mail but I can't check incoming because of the timeout.

I suppose that if I can't get this thing to work, I'll have to check out that LAN Suite software recommended above.

Anyway, I'll try again on Friday and will post the outcome here. Thanks for all of the replies and suggestions. Super as always. And, keep 'em coming.:D :D

[JaxSon]

I have disabled all of the Norton AV.

Now, it doesn't time out immediately. It waits and finally after about a minute and a half, it asks for my Logon User name and p***word for the server, 10.0.0.1. WTF?!? I don't have a logon for that. So, I enter the basic stuff for my email and it says that User Name was rejected. So, at least it is trying to get out to my mail, but it is still getting hung up somehow.

One of the Options under Outlook Express and the LAN Settings is to use a Proxy server which I have selected and entered 10.0.0.1 for the servers. There is a box for "Byp*** Proxy Server for Local Addressess"...I have tried selecting it and leaving it unchecked...still no workie.

There is also a box for Automatically Detect Settings in the LAN Settings. Again, I have tried selected it and leaving it unchecked...no difference.

Is it possible that this Analog X Proxy is just not compatible with Outlook Express? I know some of you guys say you had it working...with OE or something else?

Again, I can send out emails but can't receive anything...a real bummer.:mad: :mad:

Any more ideas???

[imaeditedbysowulo]

Okay, I just downloaded analogx proxy to see what all options you have. Have you added aliases for each of your user accounts in AnalogX proxy on the main PC?

I've used it with Outlook Express and with Outlook, it's definitely compatible with both. In OE, you shouldn't have to specify a proxy server, it should use your existing internet connection. Under the account setup, you need to have specified for pop and smtp server addresses the IP address of your main computer.

Check the smtp server address you have entered in analogx proxy. If you can send but can't receive, this is where your problem might be.

[WebHead]

Oh,.. btw,... Only one of the PC's need to have ICS anyway. The one that dials out and connects to the internet needs ICS enabled. Then once the two PC's are connected via NIC's or whatever, then the internet should work on both machines. It's goes like this -->

{Internet} <---- {PC with ICS enabled} <---- { Other PC (doesn't need ICS)}

Anyway, that's the way it's always worked for me. I wouldn't bother with all that proxy stuff. It's always too much of a pain in the rear to get it to work right.

[Poseidon]

Originally posted by WebHawg
Oh,.. btw,... Only one of the PC's need to have ICS anyway. The one that dials out and connects to the internet needs ICS enabled. Then once the two PC's are connected via NIC's or whatever, then the internet should work on both machines. It's goes like this -->

{Internet} <---- {PC with ICS enabled} <---- { Other PC (doesn't need ICS)}

Anyway, that's the way it's always worked for me. I wouldn't bother with all that proxy stuff. It's always too much of a pain in the rear to get it to work right.

His desktop connected to the internet is running Win98 and his portable laptop - Win98 SE.


Jaxson, Any luck yet?

[Draggar]

My $.02

I don't think it was answered, but is this Cable, DSL or a dialup?

If its cable / DSL I would highly recommend a Cable / DSL router. Sure, it can be a little expensive, but its very h***le free.
Configure the router though an internal IP address, then set all the PCs you want to hook up to automaticly obtain an IP address.

Sure, its about $100 for the router, but worth it.
It also allows you to easily add in more PCs.
I have 3 machines, WinMe, Win98SE and Win98, and no problems (except when the access itself goes).

Good luck!

[JaxSon]

This is using a dialup modem. It usually connects at 45,333 bps.

Concerning using a Proxy server, the Readme file specifically said to change these settings to the IP of the Desktop running the Analog X Proxy program.

I have installed all of my email "aliases" in the Configuration Menu of Analog X Proxy.

Concerning buying a router for $100 or so, that is defeating the purpose here. I have a crossover Ethernet cable hooking up the two PC's. And, it is working great. I can share files, print out to the the laser printer, etc. I just can't check my incoming email...what a bitch! (will that get censored?)

I'll keep at it. Right now, the only thing I can do is to reset all of my settings for dialup modem in order to check my email on my Laptop.

Oh well...keep 'em coming guys. I'm willing to try just about anything.

[WebHead]

Originally posted by Poseidon


His desktop connected to the internet is running Win98 and his portable laptop - Win98 SE.


Jaxson, Any luck yet?

Yeah, but if he downloads a few Windows Updates,.. then magically that Win98 machine will become Win98SE. The only difference between the two is that SE doesn't require quite as many downloads.

Hey JaxSon why don't you connect to the internet, go to windowsupdate.microsoft.com, look for that ICS download, download it, reboot then see if you can use it.

[kato2274]

Originally posted by WebHawg


Yeah, but if he downloads a few Windows Updates,.. then magically that Win98 machine will become Win98SE. The only difference between the two is that SE doesn't require quite as many downloads.

Hey JaxSon why don't you connect to the internet, go to windowsupdate.microsoft.com, look for that ICS download, download it, reboot then see if you can use it.

though the majority of the software patches microsoft included in the $20 upgrade to 98se cd are available via windows update, ICS is not, and was not ever available via download.

and it's WAY too buggy and difficult to troubleshoot IMO. when it's working it's great, but when it's not . . . . . . good luck finding out what's causing the problem.

[WebHead]

Originally posted by kato2274


though the majority of the software patches microsoft included in the $20 upgrade to 98se cd are available via windows update, ICS is not, and was not ever available via download.

and it's WAY too buggy and difficult to troubleshoot IMO. when it's working it's great, but when it's not . . . . . . good luck finding out what's causing the problem.

Hmmm,.. I dunno about that. I remember specifically downloading it at one point. It's been awhile though. Hmmmm.

[imaeditedbysowulo]

Is your internet working from the laptop computer? If so, see if you can ping your ISP's smtp server address from the laptop computer.

Also, did you read this part of AnalogX's readme:


One other note about email; if you have a different login name than email name
(like you check mail by using the login name bill, but your email address is
billyg@computer.com), then you'll need to create TWO alias in the email section;
one just like normal, using billyg@computer.com, and one using the login name
in place of the email name (so bill@computer.com).

[JaxSon]

I checked and there was nothing for ICS available.
I also performed a Search on Micro$oft.com and it came up with a bunch of stuff for Win98 SE...but nothing for plain-jane Win98.
Ima, one of my email accounts is set up that way and yes, I have created two aliases for that one but it won't even check my other ones either.
Concerning pinging the ISPs smtp server, I will try that on Monday.
Keep the ideas coming. I'm sure that we can figure this out...

[imaeditedbysowulo]

First make sure you have a working internet connection on your laptop. Once that works, pick only ONE of your email accounts and try to get just that one working. Remove any aliases for the other accounts from AnalogX on the desktop computer, and re-enter the aliases for the one account.

Your laptop internet connection should be set to use the proxy, but there shouldn't be anywhere in outlook express where you have to enter proxy info. The only address OE needs is the IP of your desktop.

Sometimes starting over is the best idea...

I wouldn't spend too much time on it if I were you, if the above steps don't work quickly for you, try downloading the prog Senectus posted earlier in the thread. I haven't tried it, but if it does NAT it would be much simpler to setup than AnalogX.

Don't give up, you'll get it working eventually. :D

[JaxSon]

I took ima's advice above and have configured only one email acct.

I can access any website with IE but when I open up a DOS window, I can't ping anything other than the Desktop server at 10.0.0.1. I can't ping my email's smtp or pop server from my Laptop.

Is this my problem? It sure sounds like it. What the hell am I doing wrong?

[NooNoo]

email uses port 110, is that open?

[imaeditedbysowulo]

I'm not positive, haven't used analogx in a long time, but I believe you should be able to ping anywhere. Try tracert.exe to any internet address and see if it's making it past your desktop PC.

Tracert.exe www.yahoo.com

Are you still able to send mail from the laptop, but can't receive?

[JaxSon]

OK, I'm just about ready to give up on all of this.

I can send out emails but cannot receive anything.

I tried "tracert anywebsite" and it came back with "Unable to resolve target system name" with any place I tried.

Concerning port 110, that appears to be for imcoming mail. Port 25 appears to be for outgoing mail. How do I check to see if those ports are open? They are configured properly in Outlook Express.

Device Manager looks OK...no problems or errors listed.

Everything works great except for me receiving my email. I can't figure it out...:mad: :mad:

[jaeger]

I have run Analogx in the past and having gone back and checked out the setting that worked for me all I can recommend is that you make sure that the addresses for your pop and smtp server are entered correctly (ie pop.earthlink.net and smtp.earthlink.net).

[imaeditedbysowulo]

Yep, there's really not much to Analogx proxy...

Jaxson, have you doublechecked the smtp server address with your ISP?

Other than that, I'm out of ideas. You might want to download the other program posted earlier in this thread, it might work out better for you.

[ArtEdwards]

It doesn't matter what version of 98 you have, all will work with ICS. I have several hard drives set up with ICS on the same network and they all work OK. I am on cable on Road Runner and have no problems. You don't need a router, just find a good set of instructions and set it up right, the instructions from MS are not the ones I found to work. Just using what you have will do the trick, you just have to set up your network proto calls in the control panel.
Art

[-Senectus-]

Did you end up trying the 602pro gear??

[JaxSon]

OK, I tried that 602Pro Lan Suite 2002 as recommended above...boy, what a piece of sh*t that program is. First off, it took about 30 minutes to download it on my dialup. Then after spending another hour registering, configuring, etc. it didn't do a dam thing for me. I couldn't surf the web, check my email or send out email. Gawd, what a waste of time. Thanks for nothing...

Concerning ArtEdwards comments, any version of Win98 will not work with ICS...only Win98 SE has that capability. And, what set of instructions are you talking about?!? Do you have a link? And what is with having all of your hard drives working on the same network...what the hell does that have to do with ICS? I also liked the way you spelled "proto calls"...pretty funny.

Right now, I still have to hook up my Laptop's modem in order to check my email. I can still print out to my primary Laser printer via Ethernet to my Desktop. It's kind of a pain but at least it is working.

Sorry if I sound p*ssed, but the Analog X Proxy gave me the best results...but still can't check email. And that Lan Suite was a piece of garbage.

Let's go ahead and close this thread...it's been beaten to death with no positive results.
:sad: :sad::sad:

[-Senectus-]

wow.. your one wound up, pissed off dude..

To me it sounds like its not the gateway software thats at fault but the basic network settings that your using.

I honestly thought that 602pro would be good for you as I thought it was fool proof, as when I installed It I didn't have to engage the grey matter at all.. It just worked all by itself.

But this wont work if you don't have the correct gateway setting, dns setting, e-mail setting, proxy setting or if you plain just don't know what your doing.

any version of win98 WILL work with ICS.
Provided that its the gateway machine that has win98se ICS enabled.
ICS doesn't give a "Phat-razoo" what the other OS's are.. it could be a MAC OSX or Linux for all it cares..

ICS behaves as a router. or more to the point, it makes the machine that is running ICS behave as a router.

(this bit is for WebHwag) IT IS NOT A FIREWALL AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS SECURITY

*grin*
ok mate.. Time to start giving us your network settings on each machine. Lets start from somewhere near the bottom.. we'll have it fixed in no time.

[NooNoo]

I used win 98se as a gateway machine that ran the ics module... I had a linux box and a 95a and a w2k box all running as clients, no problem at all.

Jaxson, artedwards may not have used terribly technical language, but he is right about setting it up..

www.wown.com and www.practicallynetworked.com have some excellent tutorials.

Don't give up, it may do you head in for a while, but it can work. If you tell us exactly how your network is configured, with what protocols, what nics etc we can help.

[JaxSon]

OK, it seems to me like the last few posts have not been reading the entire thread.
The Desktop that has the Internet Connection does NOT have Win98SE and it does NOT have ICS. It is a 233MHZ Pentium that works great running Win98 with all of the Updates available from M$. I repeat: It does NOT have ICS. Even tho I can transfer files back and forth and print to the Laser printer, I cannot access the internet from my Laptop without some kind of third party software.
Running the AnalogX Proxy worked great as far as being able to access the web, it dialed out automatically. I am able to Send email from any of my email accounts but I am unable to Receive email from any of my email accounts. That is my only problem with AnalogX Proxy. So how is it that my basic network settings are screwed up if I can do everything else?
Yes, it shouldn't be this difficult...I use the exact same accounts, passwords, syntax, etc. in the Proxy program that I normally use in Outlook Express. I then set the Laptop's POP and SMTP settings to the Desktop's IP address: 10.0.0.1....pretty straight forward, right?
Earlier, NooNoo asked if a certain port was open for email...how do I check for that?
I will apologize again for my short temper. I know people are trying to help me with my problem and I really do appreciate it.
Believe it or not, I am fairly smart at fixing things. I'm just not a PC jockey...

[-Senectus-]

It is possible to run multiple nework cards on a laptop, so its conceivable that that is your gateway..

602pro doesn't care if you have ICS or not, it WILL work on your win98 boxen.

Personally I don't proxy stuff. I don't need it.
If I where you, i'd leave proxy alone as well.
Just straight NAT and port forwarding should be find.

Can you tell us :
[list=a]
Which machine will be the gateway.
how your doing it (Hub or crossover cable etc etc)
the IP address of each interface (Excluding the dial up IP, we don't care what that is)
If you plan on using a proxy (I'd rather you didn't, it helps solve problems easier)
[/list=a]

We made the mistake of making assumptions before (naughty me) so lets stick with the facts for now.

Ta

PS don't forget.. problem solving is fun ;-) (especially if your a sadomasochist like me):eek2:

[NooNoo]

Sorry jaxson, but I thought you said your laptop had 98se... I assume therefore you do not wish to have the laptop as the internet gateway.

As frustrating as it is, being asked to try things you have already tried, you have to remember we cannot see what you have done or know your level of experience. Even the most experience techs have the occasionally idiotic moment with settings and then because they know they always do it right, never go back and check them.

Good luck with setting it up again.

[JaxSon]

OK, we'll keep trying...

My Desktop, which is always at the office and never moves, will be my Internet Gateway. It only has the basic Win98 without ICS. I have a SMC EX Card 10/100 (SMC 1255TX) installed in it with IP address of 10.0.0.1.

My Laptop, which I take with me out on the job and at home, will be the Client. It has Win98SE with ICS. It has a ActionTec 82559-based Mini-PCI Ethernet Adapter (10/100) with an IP address of 10.0.0.2.

These two machines are tied together with a crossover cable. Again, it works great. I am able to share files and printers...am able to ping each other, etc.

My ISP email servers are pop.mindspring.com and smtp.mindspring.com.

This is all the info I've got. If you think you need some more info, let me know and I'll try to get it.

Again, it looks like it should be pretty straight forward but I can't get out past my Desktop to check my email. I can send outgoing email but can't check my incoming. I can access the web without any problems but I can't actually "ping" anything on the web.

[ArtEdwards]

Oops, sorry that I didn't follow up on this thread before. I thought I had given the the address of the site I got some of my info from. Anyway here it is. www. helmig.com . There are several sections for setting up ICS under different cases, with all versions of Windows. The only thing I'm not sure about is your connection between your computers (mine is with the std cable connection) but I think if you check out this site you'll be able to set up correctly. BTW I found many sites such as this by simply using the seach engine from MSN.COM home page and typing in "internet connection sharing" and checking some of the sites. The terms being used by some of these sites can be hard to follow but if you get your protocalls set up correct (that is the thing that has to be absolutely correct) you'll be fine (they may use different IP addresses for the computers, if you need the addresses you show then change them after you get working their way). I've used the setup from this site and it works. I've another setup from another site but no address and no file in my docs. If you can't get where you want to go with this one then I'll send you a copy of the pages I have.
Art

[geeksRus]

the desktop does not have to be configured to use the proxy...only the laptop. i think this is correct.

the only problem i see is that Analogx Proxy is not configured correctly. when it is running, rite-clik the icon in the system tray and make sure the email section is configured correctly. you also have to point IE on the other machines at the proxy server. to set up email...well i guess the easiest thing would be to read that section in the Readme file that came with Proxy. it isn't difficult and i have used it many times. all you have to do is configure your email account in your email software to point to the proxy instead of the ISP servers. in other words in Outlook Express you would put in the address of the proxy server (10.0.0.1 or whatever) in place of the POP3 and SMTP servers of the ISP. the real POP3 and SMTP addresses go into Proxy in the email configuration section.

[horkz]

I would guess that Analog X has your mail port turned off. I dont know anything about the program so I cant tell you how to fix it. You can always try to see if your ISP has web mail as well. Mine does.

[bbtech6650]

or try using a NAT program like Kerio Winroute Lite




HERE (http://download.com.com/3120-20-0.html?qt=Kerio+Winroute+Lite&tg=dl-2001&search=+Go%21+)


its a lot easier to use and has builtiin DHCP that will assign all of the settings vital to get u quickly up and running...


P.S.> it even includes a port forward option to route incomming traffic requesting a certain port to a certain box or addy.

[JaxSon]

Well, I spent another couple of hours today with AnalogX Proxy. I have tried everything I could find to read up on it. I had it just like Geek suggested. I have tried assigning various different IP addresses, enabling DNS, DISabling DNS, all kinds of settings and no matter what I do, I keep getting the exact same results: I cannot check my incoming email on any of my three accounts! I can send outgoing mail via any account and I can surf the web without any problems at all. One other thing I can't do is ping any site on the internet. I can ping the Desktop and the Desktop can ping my Laptop without any problems. The Desktop can ping anything on the internet.
Another possible problem: when I open up the Proxy program, it says that it is in the "Open Mode." It has a note to see the documentation on the Security settings...but there was nothing in the Readme.txt file that said anything about getting it out of Open Mode. There was also nothing in there about Enabling Binding...it is always Disabled.
Since I have screwed around with things so much, I now have many different TCP/IP's listed in Networking Configuration on both my Desktop and Laptop. I have also been reading up on deleting all of those, rebooting and starting from scratch. This might be my stupid problem this whole time.
You guys have given me hope in Searching for something else. I have been reading up on several and will try one or two tomorrow.
I apoligize again for my short remarks in my earlier posts. You guys are great...don't give up on me and I won't either. :D :D

P.S. The whole reason for wanting to set it up this way it so that I can bring my Laptop into my office, plug in ONE cable, do all of my stuff, unplug the ONE cable and POOF! I'm gone. This is why I don't want to use the Laptop as the Gateway to the web.

[Poseidon]

Sorry you are having so much trouble.

Here's a thought, you could contact Mark Thompson (author of the Analog X) Analog X -Make Contact (http://www.analogx.com/contents/contact.htm) and explain your email problem with his software to him.

Wouldn't hurt.. .

[JaxSon]

Originally posted by Poseidon
Here's a thought, you could contact Mark Thompson (author of the Analog X) Analog X -Make Contact (http://www.analogx.com/contents/contact.htm) and explain your email problem with his software to him.

Thanx but I've already done that...about 10 days ago. I haven't heard anything back yet.

I'm pretty swamped today so I don't know if I will get back to working on this monster or not but I will keep you updated.

Thanx again.