File and Printer Sharing without Internet Connection Sharing USB Port

Question

My husband and I both have Dell Dimension with Windows XP, we were networked using the same internet connection, we just switched to DSL and are using their router so that each computer is independent of the other to get on line.  But we are no longer networked, is there a way to network the two computers together with the USB port and not have to share the internet connection.  When we shared the connection his speed was very very slow, we were using DirecWay.  Since using DSL separately both speeds are very fast.  I hope you can understand this because I am a dummy user and have tried for the past week to read how to network but cannot find anything that will let us network independent of the internet.  We just want to share the printer and files.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

volcano11 · Answer

You should be able to network the computers through the router. Make sure that internet connection sharing is disabled on all computers. Make sure that File and Printer Sharing is enabled on all computers and that any software firewalls are configured to allow local network traffic.

Steve

JawJab · Answer

You not only saved my husband's and my sanity but also a marriage, quite a few discussions were held regarding this procedure and you saved the day.  I didn't want to ask such a stupid question but like they say, 'There are no stupid questions', and the first reply solved the problem....how easy it was DUH...we are now sharing thanks to you!!!   Thank you, thank you,.....

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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