How to Install "dhcp_on.inf"?

[zeszut]

To make a long story (long version found in the thread http://discussions.virtualdr.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=150223&perpage=15&pagenumber=1
) short ...

I'm running ICS on 3 machines with Windows 98. About half the time, the client machines cannot see the host at start-up. I've found that if I install the "dhcp_on.inf" file on the host and restart the host everything connects fine.

My question is this:

How can I set up a shortcut on the host's desktop so that the person running it can easily install this file before shutting down at the end of the day. I've explained how to install it (right-click and the select INSTALL) but most of the time, that step is missed in the rush to leave.

I do have a desktop shortcut to do a one-click shut-down on that machine (C:\windows\rundll.exe user.exe,exitwindows) and would like to put a second shortcut with the DHCP install in it.

I've come across the command line "C:\windows\ rundll32.exe syssetup,SetupInfObjectInstallAction DefaultInstall 128 .\.inf" which is supposed to install an INF file. So I copied the DHCP file to the C:\windows directory and created a desktop shortcut to read:

C:\windows\ rundll32.exe syssetup,SetupInfObjectInstallAction DefaultInstall 128 dhcp_on.inf

When I ran this shortcut, I get the following error:

"Error loading syssetup. The system cannot find the file specified."

Any suggestions as to how to install this file more automatically?

Thanks in advance.

Terry

[Newt]

Why not make life simpler for yourself and the other users. Set up static IP addresses on the PCs and turn of DHCP on the ICS host PC.

From How to Troubleshoot Internet Connection Sharing Problems (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q238135)
How to Assign a Static IP Address
Before you can assign a static IP address, you will need the DNS configuration information from your ISP. Or, on the Host computer, click Start, click Run, type winipcfg, and then click OK. Click ICShare Adapter, click More Info, note the DNS server address, and then click OK. After you obtain the DNS setting, follow these steps:
Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network.
Click the TCP/IP component installed for the Network Adapter on you LAN.
Click Properties.
On the IP Address tab, click Specify an IP Address.
In the IP Address box, type 192.168.0.x (where x is a number between 2 and 254).

NOTE: The IP address should be one that is not currently in use by another computer on your LAN.
In the Subnet Mask box, type 255.255.255.0.
On the WINS Configuration tab, click Disable WINS Resolution.
On the Gateway tab, type 192.168.0.1 in the New gateway box, and then click Add.
On the DNS Configuration tab, click Enable DNS, type the host computer name in the Host box.

NOTE: The Domain box can be left blank, and note that the computer name is case-sensitive.
In the DNS Server Search Order box, type the IP address for your HOST computer (usually 192.168.0.1),, and then click Add.NOTE: If the HOST IP address does not work properly, try using your ISP's DNS server IP address.

Click OK, click OK again, and then click Yes if you are prompted to restart the computer.

[zeszut]

Thanks for the response, Newt, but I already know that this doesn't work.

It was tried (in the "long" story I alluded to in my initial post here). In that thread, when I assigned static IP addresses and things still didn't work unless I installed DHCP_ON.INF, someone surmised:

"If wonder if that Inf is doing something other than just DHCP - maybe installing NAT components or the DNS Proxy. With an entirely static IP configuration it shouldn't matter if DHCP dies."

Everything works perfectly whenever DHCP_ON.INF is installed.

My only question is how to set that installation procedure as a desktop shortcut.

[Tyranny]SiN[]

why do you need it as a shortcut?

why not just put the file on each of the desktops? and have them install it.

takes less then a second via floppy.

Or if you are doing ICS, from the host PC just put the file on there desktops while they are working and it will show on their desktops.

By default your not supposed to see the Host Admin system from the clients systems on a network unless the Host system is set up to be a Apps server or data host. Its like your firewalled from seeing the HOST from Client Side and if you can see the HOST then Your not supposed to see him and you have a very bad security hole in your proxy/firewall.

If your HOST is a Static IP and the other clients are leeching off of it using ICS then NO, They cannot see your host system without admin rites.

If your not behind a firewall and your using DHCP/over IP then still your not going to be able to see the Admin PC from the clients or your not supposed to see it.

from 2 of my windows 98SE boxes I can't see any network at all, but i have ICS on them going thru a residential Gateway from my HOST system which is XP. My linux and win2003pro system works the same way from ICS. All of them sharing DHCP, none of them can see the Admin system except win2003pro system.

I dunno if this helps or not, but I think it gives you an idea where to go from where your at now. :S

[zeszut]

Sorry, but I don't need to "go" anywhere. I'm just looking for a shorcut to click before the machine shuts down.

All of these other suggestions, though appreciated, will not help me. As I've stated, everything works perfectly except on occasion when the DHCP_ON.INF needs to be installed.

It may seem absurd, but right clicking on a file and then INSTALLING it is just too much bother. Double clicking a single icon would work well.

[Tyranny]SiN[]

Do you know anything about programming, Maybe you could write some C++ to execute the file from the host/client machine to execute when the computer is shutdown or starting.

actually starting would be simpler then shutting down. cuz if it were starting just put it in the Autoexec.bat.

syntax would be something like this: this is just an example

Exec C:\windows\(file name).inf /install -u -s

shutting down is more difficult unless you could write a batch file that would execute while shutdown occurred.

If you're Truly on the HOST system you can edit any of those file via network manager.

[zeszut]

If your coding (C:\windows\(file name).inf /install -u -s) will install the DHCP_ON.INF file, why couldn't I create a desktop shortcut with that command line?

Would that do the same as the command line "C:\windows\ rundll32.exe syssetup,SetupInfObjectInstallAction DefaultInstall 128 dhcp_on.inf" is supposed to do?

If so, this is my answer.

I'll try it tomorrow at work.

[zeszut]

Well, all this is now mute.

I put the INF file on the desktop of the person running the HOST machine. He has now agreed that it's not too difficult to right click and INSTALL it prior to shutdown.

I guess just talking about this on this forum has somehow sent agreeable vibes to him about doing this.

Thanks to all!