Member Avatar for zachman1094

I have a desktop computer that has no wireless internet connection, and a laptop with wireless internet connection. I want to know how I can bridge the connection between my desktop computer to my laptop, so that both can surf the internet. I've heard the bridging the connection works, but when I tried, it didn't work. I'm almost sure that I did something wrong, as I had no idea what i was doing at the time. Both computers are running Win XP right now, if that's any help.

Any help anyone could give would be great!!!!!

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As discovered, using the laptop as the Internet gateway (Internet Connection Sharing / ICS) is the simplest fix when the desktop has no wireless adapter. ICS makes the host act as a NAT/DHCP gateway so the desktop gets a private IP and Internet access through the laptop’s wireless link. (flylib.com)

A true Network Bridge is different: it merges two network segments at layer‑2 so devices appear on the same LAN. That can work for wired-to-wired links, but bridging a wireless client connection usually fails or is unreliable because most client wireless adapters/drivers expect “infrastructure” mode and won’t behave like a full bridge unless they support special modes (or ad‑hoc/promiscuous operation). That is why ICS is the practical choice in many laptop-to-desktop scenarios. ’s crossover idea and ’s router suggestion both point at valid alternatives. (smallnetbuilder.com)

Common troubleshooting checks when ICS “doesn’t work”: on the host run ipconfig /all to confirm the LAN adapter is at 192.168.0.1 (ICS default) and on the desktop ensure the Ethernet adapter is set to obtain an IP automatically. From the desktop try ping 192.168.0.1 then ping 8.8.8.8 to separate connectivity vs DNS problems. If the two PCs are directly cabled, try a crossover cable (or use a small switch/router) because older NICs may need it unless they support auto‑MDI‑X. Also check/update NIC drivers and temporarily disable third‑party firewalls while testing. (en.wikipedia.org)

For a longer‑term, more robust setup a cheap wireless router or a USB/PCI Wi‑Fi adapter for the desktop is preferable to relying on a laptop as a gateway. Finally, note that Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft, which increases security risk—extra care with firewalls and anti‑malware (or upgrading the OS) is strongly recommended. (microsoft.com)

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Member Avatar for caperjack

I have a desktop computer that has no wireless internet connection, and a laptop with wireless internet connection. I want to know how I can bridge the connection between my desktop computer to my laptop, so that both can surf the internet. I've heard the bridging the connection works, but when I tried, it didn't work. I'm almost sure that I did something wrong, as I had no idea what i was doing at the time. Both computers are running Win XP right now, if that's any help.

Any help anyone could give would be great!!!!!

not sure if it can be bridged persay,but you should be able to connect it through network cards in the laptop and the tower ,via a crossover cable and share the internet ,do a google.com search for more info .
where does your laptop get it internet from ! maybe you could connect to that modem /router

Member Avatar for HITMANOF44th

theres alot to explain heres a link that would get you on your way
but personaly i would just buy a router or a hub as apposed to setting up a bridge

Member Avatar for zachman1094

Thanks guys, but I figured it out.

Member Avatar for caperjack

Thanks guys, but I figured it out.

tell us what you did ,for others who find this thread will know what to do to connect it to a laptop

Member Avatar for zachman1094

OKay.

So here's what I did:

I connected my laptop to my gaming computer through it's Ethernet port, then when into Properties on my Wireless Internet Connection and checked Share Internet Connection.

Member Avatar for certifmix123

Maybe you can apply the networking strategy so that you can connect the two devices. maybe it works.

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