Windows 7: HDD sharing

Hi new here so be patient.
Have a PC running windows 7, this has a external HDD connected via usb. Using this HDD to backup files etc. to. Also have 2 laptops running Vista, connected to the windows 7 machine via home network.
Both laptops share a printer which is connected to the 7 machine.
What i would like to do is backup both laptops to the external HDD using a scheduled backup within windows.
Is this possible and if so how.
Thanks in advance

The links below shows you how to perform scheduled back ups onto another drive. Looks pretty easy to me but I haven't tried it yet.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/w...-up-your-files

Backup Files Schedule - Turn On or Off

Backup User and System Files

Thanks Chev65.
I know how to backup the 7 machine to the external HDD, what i would also like to be able to backup the 2 Vista laptops over my home network to the same external HDD which is connected to the 7 machine.

Assuming that all your networked machines are part of the same workgroup with sharing enabled and working between them. Also, using the Authenticated Users option, rather than adding "Everyone" will be more secure but may not allow for free access from remote locations.

It's safer to share only the C:>Users folder rather than sharing from the actual drive letter. But it's your network and you should know who is logging into it.

To share the entire drive:
Open My Computer -> right click Local Disk C: or preferably the C:>Users folder or which ever drive letter your drive is using ->Right click and select Properties -> select Security tab -> click Edit button -> click Add button -> Type> Everyone in the open box and hit OK, this will give access permissions to every user who is part of the Workgroup. Put check marks in the boxes for full access and control as required -> click apply OK etc. -> click OK -> wait while permissions are set -> and your Done.

After that click on the Sharing tab then click the >Advanced Sharing button, put a check in the box to share the drive, then click on the permissions tab, then use the check boxes to allow Everyone full access as required. Hit the apply button on both windows.

You should now be able to access the new drive from the Vista machines at which point you should be able to send your back ups to that drive.

Thanks chev65, will try.