Fix Internet Connection Sharing Error Null or 80004005 in Windows 7

When you try to enable Internet Connection Sharing in your Windows 7 computer via your network connection properties, one of the following errors may occur:

An error occurred when enabling internet connection sharing. (null)

-or-

Cannot enable shared access.

Error 0x80004005: Unspecified error

To resolve the problem, make sure that the following services are started and running:



  • Base Filtering Engine (Automatic)
  • Network Connections (Manual)
  • Remote Access Connection Manager (Manual)
  • Windows Management Instrumentation (Automatic)
  • Windows Firewall (Automatic)

In order for ICS to work Windows Firewall service needs to be enabled, although Windows Firewall isn’t listed as one of ICS dependencies.

To enable a service, launch Services MMC (Services.msc). Double-click a service, set the service start type accordingly as above, and click Start to start the service. Installing a third-party firewall software disables the Windows Firewall service. In order for ICS to work, you’ll have to enable/start the Windows Firewall service again.


One small request: If you liked this post, please share this?

One "tiny" share from you would seriously help a lot with the growth of this blog. Some great suggestions:
  • Pin it!
  • Share it to your favorite blog + Facebook, Reddit
  • Tweet it!
So thank you so much for your support. It won't take more than 10 seconds of your time. The share buttons are right below. :)

Ramesh Srinivasan is passionate about Microsoft technologies and he has been a consecutive ten-time recipient of the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional award in the Windows Shell/Desktop Experience category, from 2003 to 2012. He loves to troubleshoot and write about Windows. Ramesh founded Winhelponline.com in 2005.

Leave a Comment