While in the Network and Sharing Center, I came across the 'Merge or delete network locations' command. I'm convinced that this is one of the least-documented commands inVista; after searching for this command, all I see is people deleting old wireless networks not in use. But what does merging networks do? And when would I want to do it? As an example, here's what my home network currently looks like. (I know it's odd -this is only temporary whilethe cable outlet by the WHS is repaired.) Living room: Cable modem and wired router, connected to an Xbox and a PC running Vista. Library:Windows Home Server connected to a wireless router (ssid: Eregion) which has no connection to the Internet Bedroom: Wireless media server (WMLS11B) connected wirelessly to Eregion After setting this up, I realized my PC could also connect to Eregionto dobackups, so I did that. Now my PC is connected to two separate routers; one wired and one wirelessly. What will merging the two networks do for me? Will the computers on either side (Xbox and WHS) be able to see each other, and would the WHS be able to access the Internet, like with Internet Connection Sharing?

Hi, Merge or delete network locations is just to used to customize the appearance of discovered network. In my opinion, the simplest way to achieve your requirements is that use only one Router in the environment. You can use the wired or the wireless Router as a Switch and connect it to another Router. I mean that you d better use only one IP subnet in the environment in order that the computers (Xbox and WHS) are able to see each other, and the Windows Home Server can access the Internet. The process would be much more complicated and the administrative cost would be high to enable Internet Connection Sharing on the Windows Vista computer in this environment.

Thanks - that's exactly what I wanted to know.Merging networks sounds like it's doing something significant, so it was odd to not find any references to it at all. It seemed a bit strange that you can merge a wired and wireless network together. As for my network, the unusual setup I had was only temporary - I was waiting for a longerCAT-5 cable to be delivered. Now the Xbox, WHS, and my Vista computerall have a wiredconnection, with no need for a second router. And the wireless media player is just going to beremoved - it's an old device, and only supports WEP.