Client cannot log onto DHCP server (AD HOC)

[clarkey74]

Hi all, I have a home wireless AD HOC network using a desktop as host and a laptop as client. All file sharing works, but even though internet connection sharing is enabled on the host, and the internet explorer settings of the client are set to automatically detect LAN settings I cannot connect to the internet via the client unless I do the following: IP address is assigned manually on the client (192.168.0.2) including gateway address (Host IP 192.168.0.1). This does NOT allow my client to connect to the internet. If I then however check OBTAIN IP ADDRESS AUTOMATICALLY in the TCP/IP properties it changes from MANUALLY ASSIGNED IP ADDRESS to ADRRESS OBTAINED BY DHCP SERVER, but does not change any of the manually inputted settings at all. This then enables me to connect to the internet. If the client is then restarted it automatically obtains a private IP address (169.254.xxx.xxx), without logging on to the DHCP server. The whole process of manually inputting IP adresses and then changing to automatic configuration begins again... Both machines run XP sp2 and I have ran the network wizard several times. Can anyone tell me how to ensure that the automatic IP addressing of the client logs onto the DHCP server of the host upon connection to the network???? Or can anyone tell me how to get internet connection sharing using manually inputted adresses??? Any advice MUCH appreciated. Thanks