To a seasoned pro, this cry for help will probably seem extremely easy to figure out. However, with my networking know-how, I'm lost. Here is my situation: I have 3 computers (2 PC and 1 laptop) and my PS2 hooked up to a Toshiba Cable Modem through a Linksys BEFSR41. I have tried on several occasions to network the 3 of them (for filesharing, printersharing, whatnot) with disastrous results. Firstly, I ran the Linksys software on all three computers, which did nothing. Then, I used XP's networking tool to set it up. This sometimes works for a short period of time. I will be able to move files via the Shared Documents folders on each computer, but the link is often severed by a shutdown on one of the computers, or just after a file has been sent. The router does effectively share internet access to the computers, most of the time. I have a lot of problems with connection drop-outs (mostly while gaming online, though sometimes just out of the blue). At this point, I feel like it could be a router problem. Are there any suggestions as to how I might be able to fix my connection problems? Or something i'm missing in the setup of this home network? Or shoudl I just scrap the router and go for another model that is more simple and reliable? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Ok im gonna answer your first question cause the second is beyond me. The reason you cant share files between computers is that the router is only for internet access, therefore it does not create a hub to link the computers. There is one way around this. Get a Port Switch, it is a little hub that the computers connect to and the hub connects to the router. Make sure the computers connected to the Port Switch are using straight cables and not crossover. Port Switchs go for about $30.

Wait i missed the second part, you should probably get a new router and ask whoever your buying it from if it can share files and stuff. Sorry for jumping ahead.

A router will act as a switch. I had a Linksys router that did the same thing. Returned it and got a new one, never had another problem. The only other thing I can think of is that TCP/IP stack may have been corrupted. But try another router first. Larry

I'm not sure what worldspere is talking about but that model Linksys router has 4 ports and does act like a switch. In fact, it is a switch with a firewall and NAT technology built into it and does a little bit of basic routing. First, take that PS2 out of the mix for now and concentrate on getting your PC's talking to each other and accessing the internet. Once that's working, then you can get the PS2 to work. With just your PC's plugged into the router, enable DHCP on the router and then ensure all client PC's are set to receive their IP info via DHCP. Read the manual for the router on how to configure this. Once you're done, you should have a working network providing access to all 3 PC's and the internet. Don't run any other programs or app's like XP's networking wizard. Ensure the cable coming from your dsl/cable modem is plugged into the WAN port of the router and the router is recieving valid IP information from your ISP.