Microsoft Windows Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) uses your PC to share one Internet connection with multiple devices, including your Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.

Use Windows ICS to set up your PC as a host through which your Xbox 360 system can access the Internet. ICS essentially lets you use your PC like a router, which is definitely convenient—but it requires that you turn on your PC when you want to play games on Xbox LIVE.

Xbox LIVE access through Windows ICS works with the Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows 98SE operating systems.

You need to use a Windows ICS connection (rather than a router or gateway connection) to access Xbox LIVE in either of these scenarios instead of a traditional Ethernet connection to a stand-alone router, gateway, or modem.

1. You're using a USB connection to a stand-alone modem for your cable or DSL high-speed Internet access.
2. You're using your PC's internal modem for your cable or DSL high-speed Internet access.

Please see the page appropriate to your connection.

If you will not be using one of these connections to access Xbox LIVE, choose a router connection, a gateway connection, or a direct modem connection.

Microsoft Windows Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) uses your PC to share one Internet connection with multiple devices, including your Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.

You need to use a Windows ICS connection to access Xbox LIVE if you're using either a USB or an internal (PCI) connection for high-speed Internet access rather than a traditional Ethernet connection through a stand-alone router, gateway, or modem.

To set up a Windows ICS connection through an internal modem, see Windows ICS Connection

Required Hardware for a Windows ICS Connection Through an Internal (PCI) Modem

• One Ethernet cable (supplied with the standard Xbox 360 console; not included with Xbox 360 Arcade). Unlike the original Xbox system, Xbox 360 does not require a crossover Ethernetcable.
• One (1) standard RJ-11 analog phone cable or one (1) F-type coaxial cable, depending on your PC's modem (each sold separately).
• A PC with an NIC (network interface card). If your PC has an Ethernet port (also referred to as Cat5 or RJ-45), it has an NIC. An Ethernet port looks like a standard telephone jack, only bigger.

To connect to Xbox LIVE using Windows ICS through your computer's internal (PCI) modem:

1. Before connecting any cables, turn off your PC and your Xbox 360 console.
2. Connect one end of your RJ-11 phone cable or F-type coaxial cable (depending on your modem) to your PC's modem and the other end to the wall jack.
3. Connect one end of your Ethernet cable to your PC's Ethernet port. Connect the other end to the Ethernet port on the back of your Xbox 360 console.
4. Turn on your PC.
5. From your PC, configure Windows ICS to share your Internet connection. To enable Windows ICS on your PC, follow the instructions for your operating system:
   • Windows Vista
   • Windows XP Professional
   • Windows 2000 Professional
   • Windows Me
   • Windows 98SE
6. Once you've configured ICS, make sure your PC can access the Internet. (If it can't connect to the Internet, refer to the help documentation for your operating system or visit Microsoft Help and Support.)
7. Turn on your Xbox 360 console with no disc in the disc tray.

8. If you've already used your Xbox 360 system for offline play, the Xbox Dashboard will open to the Xbox LIVE area. Select the Xbox LIVE banner. When you see the Xbox LIVE Marketplace you'll know you're connected to Xbox LIVE.

   If this is the first time you've turned on your Xbox 360 console, see Create Your Gamer Profile to get started with both the Xbox 360 system and Xbox LIVE play.

If you're unable to connect to Xbox LIVE, the Xbox Dashboard provides an automaticnetwork troubleshooter in the System area (under Network Settings) to help you connect.

Microsoft Windows Internet Connection Sharing (Windows ICS) uses your PC to share one Internet connection with multiple devices, including your Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.

You need to use a Windows ICS connection to access Xbox LIVE if you're using either a USB or an internal (PCI) connection for high-speed Internet access rather than a traditional Ethernet connection through a stand-alone router, gateway, or modem.

To set up a Windows ICS connection through an internal modem, see Windows ICS Connection: Internal Modem.

Required Hardware for a Windows ICS Connection Through a USB Modem

• One USB cable (sold separately).
• One Ethernet cable (supplied with the standard Xbox 360 console; not included with Xbox 360 Arcade). Unlike the original Xbox system, Xbox 360 does not require a crossover Ethernet cable.
• A PC with an NIC (network interface card). If your PC has an Ethernet port (also referred to as Cat5 or RJ-45), it has an NIC. An Ethernet port looks like a standard telephone jack, only bigger.

To connect to Xbox LIVE using Windows ICS through your USB modem:

1. Before connecting any cables, turn off your cable or DSL modem, PC, and Xbox 360 console. (If you have an external modem, unplug it from its power source to turn it off.)
2. Connect one end of your USB cable to the modem's USB port. Connect the other end to a USB port on your PC.
3. Connect one end of your Ethernet cable to your PC's Ethernet port. Connect the other end to the Ethernet port on the back of your Xbox 360 console.
4. Turn on your modem and your PC.
5. From your PC, configure Windows ICS to share your Internet connection. To enable Windows ICS on your PC, follow the instructions for your operating system:
   • Windows Vista
   • Windows XP Professional
   • Windows 2000 Professional
   • Windows Me
   • Windows 98SE
6. Once you've configured ICS, make sure your PC can access the Internet. (If it can't connect to the Internet, refer to the help documentation for your operating system or visit Microsoft Help and Support.
7. Turn on your Xbox 360 console and sign in with your profile.
8. If this is the first time you've turned on your Xbox 360 console, see Create Your Gamer Profile to get started with both the Xbox 360 system and Xbox LIVE play.

If you're unable to connect to Xbox LIVE, you can try to diagnose the problem right on your console. Go to My Xbox and open System Settings, then select Network Settings, Test Xbox LIVE Connection.