Problem: I am running Windows XP Pro on a virtual machine on a Windows 2003 Server Enterprise machine. XP Pro machine has internet capabilities when my outside firewall on the WIN2K3 is off. When it is enabled on win2k3, the xp pro machine cannot connect to internet. I have tried making my firewall allow vmware internet access but hasnt worked. Also, the xp pro virtual machine is not using firewall since my outside firewall is filtering all data transmissions..got it? Help me. thank you.

I have been running Windows 2000 DataCenter Server while running a virtual machine with Win98 inside. I think I know your problem a little bit ... as I have been fussing with my setup kinda the same way, trying to get internet connectivity. All you should need to worry about are your outside computer's connections. As long as your internal virtual machine can get IP from DHCP on the VMware then you are fine, on THAT end ... As for your real machine, the host machine, make sure your Virtual Network's bridging is set to use the VMWare network-interface that employs NAT (network address translation), instead of the interface that acts as simple host. Your internal virtual computer's communications should then also be running as filtered and protected, as long as u are doing NAT behind your firewall on the host (outer) machine.