I had the same problem when I changed from MS Melll to XP, sometimes ICS would work and sometimes not. So eventully I went with the router idear, and without ICS running I managed to shut down some other services which in my opinion are a security risk. I run a games server 'NOLF' at times for the kids, it runs great DMZ or port forwarding (online or lan). If I could only get NOLF to run on NIX I would be contented.