Lost printer and file sharing

I have 5 computers here, 2 wired and 3 wireless. I had full file and printer sharing until my 11 year old son wanted to "fix" my main computer for me. The main computer has 2 printers and an external hard drive attached to it. He decided that he would clean up my connection properties by deleting items he thought I didn't need. I learned a lesson about changing him to a limited account that day. I tried to restore the items that I thought I had before but I am having mixed results. I can see the main computer from one of the wireless laptops but can't open anything. I don't have access to the printers either. I ran the home network wizards many times with no luck When I first configured the sharing, I had no issues so I'm thinking the trouble is from the removal of the networking components. Can anyone list what I need to have for file and printer sharing? If the wizards won't help me re-configure these networking components, I would need help with that also. Thanks in advance.

Probably need to power cycle the router is all.

Reach in back and pull the power plug, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in and when up, test.

Tried that no luck. I'm not sure the main computer has the proper components installed correctly.

Best do a repair install if you do not have a restore point that will not work.

I have the OEM version installed. I would rather not reinstall XP. Do you know where I can find out what I need to enable sharing?

When people do like he did, gosh only know what was destroyed and needs replaced.
You can try sfc /scannow

But sometimes the easiest thing to do is save what you would hate to lose and do a clean install. Had to do that numerous times over the years. :(

Have you tried a System Restore to the day before this happened?

Open Network Connections, right click Local Area Connection, select properties, you should see the following items listed :

Client for Microsoft Networks
QOS Packet Scheduler
File and Printer Sharing
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

You can check them all. If any are missing , select the Install button to add them. If you make any changes , restart the pc.

You mentioned Win XP so I assume that all the computers are Win XP.

Maybe this can Help.

Make sure that the Software Firewall on each computer allows free local traffic. If you use 3rd party Firewall On, Vista/XP Native Firewall should be Off, and the active Firewall has to adjusted to your Network IP numbers on what is some time called the Trusted Zone (consult your 3rd Party Firewall instructions

General example, http://www.ezlan.net/faq#trusted

Please Note that some 3rd party Software Firewalls keep blocking aspects of Local Traffic even it they are turned Off (disabled). If possible configure the Firewall correctly, or totally uninstall it to allow clean flow of local network traffic. If the 3rd party software is uninstalled or disables, make sure that Windows native Firewall is On .

Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304040

In Win XP pro you can Visually see the Permission/Security setting, and configure them to your liking.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...px#securityTab

Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...utt_july2.mspx

Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357

When finished with the setting of the system it is advisable to Reboot all the hardware including the Router and all computers involved.