How to create home network (shared printers & files) in a home with 3 routers and XP and Vista?

You cannot simply turn on file sharing with this network setup and expect it to work right away. For file sharing to work, all the computers need to be on the same network. The fact there are 3 routers being used here tells me that there is high probability that each router has DHCP enabled resulting in 3 different networks behind each router. There are a few ways to get the computers behind the routers to see each other.

Assuming that your current network topology is like this:

modem -> router1

router1----> router2

router1----> router3

The simplest way, if your routers have the option, is to configure the router2 and 3 into bridged mode. This mode puts the router in a "dumb" state where it acts as a sort of switch that connects back to the router1. This puts the computers on the same network as the one in the home-office because the networks are "bridged." One caveat of bridged mode is that you won't be able to log into the router and change any settings. You will have to reset to factory default in order to do so if you no longer need it in bridged mode.

If it is not possible to bridge the router, another option would be to replace router2 and 3 with switches. This will in fact remove the Wireless AP that is part of the two existing routers. You can connect the routers into a switch port, but the computers connected to the AP won't see any network shares because it won't be on the same network. Or, you can get Access Points and connect it to the switch. This will allow the wireless connected devices to be on the same network as the wired devices.

If all three of the routers are connecting straight to the modem, then might I suggest replacing them all with switches and Access points, OR setting them to bridged mode.

Like others have said above...

However, to share things, the printers and servers have to be on the first router, so other routers can access them. You cannot put these on a second or third router in the chain, because they block incoming "probes" like network browsing - which is what they are supposed to do. Outgoing is ok, as seen by your internet browsing....

So, instead of trying to open dozens of ports on each router, it is easiest to put the shared services all on the first router. If you need more ports, just add a switch to the first router, and plug all the shared devices there.

Make sure all the computers belong in the same Workgroup. On XP, rightclick my computer > properties, computer name tab, edit the name you want on your computer create a workgroup name.

(you can name it Ranch or anything you like, just as long as all the computers belong on the same Workgroup)

Do this on all your computers. (Vista is a little different, but renaming computer and workgroup is also in the computer properties)

After the computers belong to the same workgroup, rightclick on a file you want to share and click sharing and security.

Check box share this folder on the network. Also I recommend you clicking on "learn more about sharing"

Make sure you specify correct permissions, because if anybody else is on your network, they will be able to view/modify your files.

If you did this correct, go to my network places and you should see computer icons with the names of the computers. double click on the computer you enabled the folder share to access the folder.

Make sure you did the permissions correctly, you don't unauthorized people viewing/deleting your files.

Hope this helps.

Computer networking is a great way to collaborate with other computer users in your home or office. While it is becoming increasingly easy for the basic computer user, it can still be a difficult, frustrating experience for many people. Steps 1. Decide on what type of network you wish to install. We will be covering how to install a wireless network including 2 desktop computers, 1 laptop, and a High Speed Internet (HSI) connection. If you wish to install a wired network, this manual is not for you. 2. Purchase the following items for your Wireless Network: * Wireless router (with switch) * 2 PC wireless adapters for the desktop computers * 1 Laptop wireless adapter for the wireless laptop 3. Connect the wireless router to your High Speed Connection by turning off all units, including the computers. Simply use an Ethernet cable (which usually comes with your High Speed Internet Connection) to connect your HSI modem to the WAN port on your wireless router. 4. Open your desktop computers and install the PC adapters, or purchase USB adapters that do not require you to open your computer. Also install any necessary software on each machine. Older operating systems need some drivers installed. 5. Install the wireless PC card in your laptop, and install the included software. Then, shut down all computers. 6. Turn on your new items in this order: * 1. Your HSI modem (wait for all lights to return to normal). * 2. Your New Wireless Router (wait for it to start up fully). * 3. The computers. They should find the wireless router and connect to the network and the internet through the new router. Tips * To create a network that does not include internet access (or to ensure that your computers are really networked), be sure to enable Print and File Sharing on all computers. This is done differently on the Macintosh, Linux and the Windows platform. o + For Windows XP and Vista, go to Start > Control Panel > Network Connections (click "Switch to Classic View" if you cannot see the Network Connections icon) > right click on your Local Area Connection ethernet adapter > Properties > check File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks > Click "OK" + For Macintosh OS X, click on the Apple menu on the Menu Bar and click on "System Preferences...". Then, click on "Sharing". Then you may select which service that you want to be shared on your wireless network. For further support, click on the Apple Support Page link for sharing on your wireless network. Apple Sharing Support Warnings * Turning on your equipment in the wrong order could cause your new setup to not work! Be sure to power on each item in order. It really does matter. * Remember to set up your WEP (preferably WPA) security settings to prevent unauthorized access to your network * Also remember to change the default passwords and usernames on your wireless router. Many wardrivers will travel around finding hotspots and then trying the default codes for that type of access point. This could result in you getting locked out of your own router and having to manualy reset your network.

Setup file sharing on the network...