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Windows ICS Connection: USB

 

Technical Support

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 Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system; not included with the Xbox 360 Core system). 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:
  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 automatic network troubleshooter in the System area (under Network Settings) to help you connect.

Note

Windows Media Connect users: In the rare event that your PC and your Xbox 360 console are connected to a router and your PC is using a Windows ICS connection to a third device, Windows Media Connect (WMC) may not function.

WMC depends on the Xbox 360 console's UPnP traffic. This traffic may be blocked by a PC in this configuration. If this occurs, either turn off ICS to unblock UPnP traffic or rearrange your network.

For an additional resource to help you get connected, step through our handy Connectivity Wizard.

Join Xbox Live

Not yet a member? For the easiest way to join Xbox Live, go to www.xbox.com/live.

To create an Xbox Live membership from the Xbox Dashboard, see Join Xbox Live.

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