ICS Does Not Pass WINS Server Information to Clients

The Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) allocator does not pass any Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS) server information to the clients. Servers outside the local area network (LAN) that require WINS resolution are not accessible to clients behind the ICS host unless a WINS server address is statically assigned to the clients. The ICS host can gain access to these types of servers.

To resolve this issue:

1. On the ICS host, click Start, click Run, type winipcfg, and then click OK.
2. Click ICShare in the drop-down box, and then click More Info.
3. Record the primary and secondary WINS server addresses.
4. Click OK.
5. On each client requiring a WINS server, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network.
6. Double-click TCP/IP->network adapter providing access to the ICS host.
7. Click the WINS Configuration tab, click to select the Enable WINS Resolution check box, type the primary WINS server address recorded on the ICS host, and then click Add.
8. Click OK. Click OK again, and then restart the computer when you are prompted.

NetBIOS name resolution on the LAN is provided by broadcasts; a WINS server is not necessary for communication between local computers behind the ICS host. The steps listed above should not be used unless WINS name resolution outside the LAN is required for clients inside the LAN.