PC with static IP won't access internet

[mmurphmsu]

I am doing some networking stuff for a small business which already has a pre-existing network setup. They are currently using a switch to connect each PC. Their DSL router is connected directly to a PC that has two NIC's, one of the DSL, and one to Connect to the Switch. All of the PC's have static IP's because they share a program on the above PC.

I tried several things to get the other PC's to be able to get out to the internet and wasn't successful. I tried changing one of the PC's to DHCP, I tired plugging the DSL into the switch, and even tried to setup Internet Connection Sharing, and nothing worked.

I am thinking they need a router but I would like to know if anyone else has an idea of what is going on.

[RedSon]

If the PC is used as a router then you would connect the modem, to the PC then from the PC to the switch, then each computer into the switch. Then you need to set up your PC to do routing functions like DHCP, and routing tables, and whatever else needed to turn your windows machine into a router.

If the PC is being used as a server, then you will need a router. Then you will connect the modem to the router, and then the all the PCs to the router, or alternatively you can connect one of the router's ports to the switch and then additional PCs to the switch.

If you want, you can set your PC up as both a router and a server, but keep in mind that routing dozens of PCs into one router PC that is not a dedicated router machine may incur performance issues or just crash the machine.

Here is some info about setting up a windows server 2003 machine as a router: http://articles.techrepublic.com.com...1-5844624.html

Also, if you make your PC into a server/router, you are going to be dealing with major security issues, so make sure your server/router is locked down! Or throw in another box between your router and your modem to use as a firewall.