How to Enable TCP/IP Forwarding in Windows XP (315236)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
This article was previously published under Q315236
For a Microsoft Windows 2000 version of this article, see 230082.

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SUMMARY

This article describes how to enable Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) forwarding on a Windows XP-based computer. By default, TCP/IP forwarding is not enabled in Windows XP.

MORE INFORMATION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To enable TCP/IP forwarding, follow these steps:
  1. Start Registry Editor (Regedit.exe).
  2. In Registry Editor, locate the following registry key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters

  3. Set the following registry value:

    Value Name: IPEnableRouter
    Value type: REG_DWORD
    Value Data: 1

    A value of 1 enables TCP/IP forwarding for all network connections that are installed and used by this computer.
  4. Quit Registry Editor.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/11/2002
Keywords:kbenv kbinfo kbnetwork KB315236
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.