Windows 7: Static ip interferes with homegroup.

Whenever I try setting a static ip it works fine but other computers can't access my files on the homegroup (and I can't access theres either) , they can join alright and access each others fine.

What do you guys suggest?

Are you picking a static IP that is in the range of the dynamically assigned IPs that the router gives out? I'm guessing that your static IP is the same as one of the other computers.

It's easier to let your router pick the IP address, and then use the router's admin console to permanently assign that IP to that specific computer. It's called DHCP reservation.