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Applies to these editions of Windows Vista:

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Change which computer on your network connects to the Internet

If you have a wireless network with an Internet connection, one computer on the network connects to the Internet either by using a router or a broadband  modem, or by using Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). If you have more than one computer on your network, the other computers share the Internet connection. To change which computer on your network connects to the Internet, follow these steps:

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If you use a router or broadband modem

  • Unplug the router or modem from the computer that is currently connected to the Internet, and then plug it into the computer that you want to change to.

If you use Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

Do steps 1, 2, and 3 on the computer that is currently connected to the Internet; and steps 4, 5, and 6 on the computer that you want to change to.

  1. On the computer that is currently connected to the Internet, Open Network Connections by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Network and Internet, clicking Network and Sharing Center, and then clicking Manage network connections.

  2. Right-click the shared connection, and then click Properties. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

  3. Click the Sharing tab, clear the Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection check box, and then click OK.

  4. On the computer that you want to change to, Open Network Connections by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Network and Internet, clicking Network and Sharing Center, and then clicking Manage network connections.

  5. Right-click the connection that you want to share, and then click Properties. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

  6. Click the Sharing tab, select the Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection check box, and then click OK.

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