I have broadband, using a Huawei MT 841 ADSL modem.

I am using the USB port for my Desktop (running Win 98SE).

The modem had ethernet ports too.

Is there any way I can connect a laptop (running XP-SP2) via the ethernet port, without having to give my userid & password ?

Of course, I will connect to the net from my PC.

Thanks.

Yes, you can connect the laptop no problem. There is no way you will get any internet connectivity though

Your only (usable) options are:
- Connect the laptop to the desktop using ethernet and set up ICS on the desktop
- Buy a router and connect that to the ethernet port on the modem. Computers connect to the LAN ports on the router.

Thanks Nodsu.

I'm going to try ICS. Google helped.

Just one more thing. I usually do a windows update, after every fresh install.
However, the last time I used windows update, the system became corrupted.

Any idea whether a windows update is required for ICS to work ?

No, ICS should work on vanilla OS install too.
Updates are required for a stable system though! Running unpatched Windows is just asking for trouble!

Did you install any non-critical updates? Often the hardware dirvers offered by Microsoft break things.

Probably did. I chose all !!

I'll be careful next time.

Thanks.

PS.

I just updated windows today (successfully).

Correction : I had only tried to install the Critical Updates and Service Packs.

Can't figure what what went wrong.