ICS on XP - keeps going off

Hello. I currently share my ntl connection between my computer and my laptop, using the Windows XP default method.

When I start up, the connection seems to work fine. But I tend to leave my computer on and turn my laptop off, and when I restart my laptop, the ICS is no longer active and I can't access the internet on my laptop. (My internet comes in to my computer). This happens even though my network connection is fine. I repair the connection but the ICS connection isn't reconstructed. I hate having to restart everything again because it takes ages. Anybody know how to get it working without restarting?

Or can you recommend another method of sharing my internet connection (excluding hubs/rooters)?