I recently set-up a 3 computer network, 2 desktops and 1 laptop. I am using a 2Wire HomePortal DSL modem/router and wireless adapters. The problem is that all 3 computers can share files/printers from the computer the HomePortal is connected to by USB but they can't share with any others. So, basically computers 1,2 and 3 can share with 1 but not with 2 and 3 if that makes sense.

Thanks

hmm they all running same versions of eg windows or network drivers?

All are running XP and have file/printer sharing enabled.

Are all the computers on the same workgroup?

yea like jaynee said have you set the network up on each pc? and if you havnt make sure your connecting all of them onto the same network. also i read this on another forum, see if it helps


Windows 2000 and XP: Choose Start, Settings, Network and Dial-up Connections (in 2000) or right-click My Network Places and select Properties (in XP). Right-click Local Area Connection and choose Properties. Make sure 'Client for Microsoft Networks' is the first listing under 'Components checked are used for this connection' (in 2000) or 'This connection uses the following items' (in XP). If it isn't there, choose Install, Client, Client for Microsoft Networks. The second item in this list should be 'File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks'. If it isn't there, select Install, Service, Add, File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks.

Now scroll down the window to verify that you have a TCP/IP entry for your network adapter (see FIGURE 1). To check your workgroup and computer names, return to the network properties window and select Advanced, Network Identification. Make sure each computer's 'Full computer name' is unique. If you have to change either name, click Properties (in 2000) or Change (in XP) and enter a new name in the highlighted text box.

All versions: Each computer on your network also has to have a different IP address. To view the system's IP address in Windows 98 and Me, select Start, Run, type winipcfg, and press Enter; in the resulting dialog box, select your network card from the drop-down menu. In Windows 2000 and XP, click Start, Run, type cmd /k ipconfig, and press Enter. If two machines on the network have the same IP address, your router has a problem. Check its documentation for instructions on resolving the conflict.

Make sure at least one folder or printer on each system is set for sharing. To do so, open Windows Explorer and navigate to the folder or printer you want to share. If the folder or printer icon doesn't have a little hand under it, right-click the icon and select Sharing and Security (in XP) or Sharing (in 2000). In the resulting dialog box, click Share This Folder and check other options as appropriate.

Finally, it's possible that your router's built-in firewall is interfering with your network's settings. Check your router's documentation for instructions on troubleshooting firewall conflicts.

After about a week of trying to conquer this problem I found the answer.....the free 6 month subscription to Norton Internet Security. I disabled the personal security setting and was then able to share files/printers. It was pre installed from Dell on two of the three computers. I had a feeling it was a firewall related problem but did not realize Norton Internet Security was there!!!! If understand things correctly I had 3 firewalls on 2 of the computers, 2Wire, Windows Firewall and Norton. Is that overkill or what????