Is there anything extra or special needed to be done in order to connect a Windows system to a portable hotspot such as a mobile phone?

When I tried on a Windows 8.1 system, it connects but not the Internet.  It got an IP address but couldn't ping anywhere except itself, the localhost.

When I tried on a Windows 7 system and it wouldn't connect at all.

At the Windows device end of things you shouldn't need to do anything special, the whole idea when using a mobile as a hotspot to allow other devices to use its connection is that it appears as a simple wireless access point, so using it should be no different to using any other wireless connection.

I'd check that in addition to being assigned an IP address from the phone that the Default Gateway address is being assigned and is pointing to the mobile (since you want traffic to out through it). If you run "ipconfig /all" at a command line you should find that the "Default Gateway" and "DHCP Server" are the same address.

If those are being picked up correctly then I'd check the settings on your mobile. Presumably you've ensured your mobile package allows tethering?

what mobile device you have there? android or iPhone?

to isolate Windows problems, try to update your network card (WIFI)

the best way to collect information regarding this is contacting Android or apple forum

http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/phonesformobileworkers/a/How-To-Use-Your-Android-Phone-As-A-Portable-Wi-Fi-Hotspot.htm

but my personal opinion, using mobile phone as hotspot for PC or laptop is not good practice. Im considering data package that you will used if you choose this method (unless your data package is unlimited). And using mobile phone as hotspot for couple hours will made your phone overheat (based on experience). So if you have unlimited data package I suggest you buy USB modem or router with SIM card slot

good luck 

• Edited by britishdhez 1 hour 39 minutes ago

Thanks for all the replies.  It was an Android phone.  The phone was actually connected to the local wireless network at the time, so no cellular data packet was involved.  I am checking with the forum of the phone in the meantime in case I have missed anything.  I am waiting for some response.

I am not actually using the phone as a long-term access point.  I just want to be able to know how to use it as an access point so that I am prepared in case I might need it in the future.

you cant share internet connection from your phone if that phone connected to local wireless

you only can use your phone as mobile internet hotspot if you use your data packet as internet

• Edited by britishdhez 23 hours 36 minutes ago

what mobile device you have there? android or iPhone?

to isolate Windows problems, try to update your network card (WIFI)

the best way to collect information regarding this is contacting Android or apple forum

http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/phonesformobileworkers/a/How-To-Use-Your-Android-Phone-As-A-Portable-Wi-Fi-Hotspot.htm

but my personal opinion, using mobile phone as hotspot for PC or laptop is not good practice. Im considering data package that you will used if you choose this method (unless your data package is unlimited). And using mobile phone as hotspot for couple hours will made your phone overheat (based on experience). So if you have unlimited data package I suggest you buy USB modem or router with SIM card slot

good luck 

• Edited by britishdhez Wednesday, May 06, 2015 5:45 AM