ok well now on mine i see Bob (my comp) and Stupid (steve's), but if i try to view the properties of Stupid, i get told the server Stupid isn't available. 1. it isn't a server. 2. Bob isn't showing on steve's comp, he can only see Stupid (himself). This is getting ridiculous.

just make sure the computer names are short, the desription field is empty, and the workgroup names are the same. If that's the case, just keep rebooting the computers until it works, or something.

There are alot of weird issues with networking win98 and winXP. Little problems, little inconsistencies. If you really get flustered, you can try 2 things.

1) Wipe out the 98 box and install XP.
2) Use the XP network setup wizard.

The networks setup wizard will let you configure your network connection for XP (duh), but it will ALSO allow you to put all this stuff on a floppy disk. Boot your 98 box off that floppy and it automagically gets configured properly for your network. WOOOOO.

So, I've never done that (never needed to) but you could give it a try. The Network Setup Wizard is located in the network properties.

well we'd tried that xp wizard thing but that still didn't work. Anyway, just to keep you up to date, this is what's going on as best i can tell. i've left mole to it though coz i'm just too pissed off with it so don't know exactly but:

mole's comp (win 98) has now accepted the ethernet card, is connected to the router through the card, and is connected to the net through the router. my computer (win xp) is a gay little twat that refuses to even run the (crap) quick set-up program that allows you to access the net through the router, and is just being a bastard. but mole is on its case now.

Started this at about 1.00pm Thursday 5th February 2004. As of 8.28pm (same day) we're STILL not finished. I hate computers.

by the setup program, I assume you mean the setup for the USB drivers for that router? Well, not much I can say about that. Maybe check their website for newer drivers.

btw, not that you probably need to hear this, but never (EVER EVER EVER) get anything with USB that you want to work steadily. Like a network card or internet connection. USB in my experience is great...unless you try to use it continuously like with a network connection. It's awesome for printers/scanners/etc etc... even surprisingly robust for mice and keyboards (with the occasional hiccup that really pisses me off). But stick with ethernet or wireless when it comes to networking. Preferably ethernet.

Lol, ok:

98 to XP - not yet, when i get more hard drive, and i'm gunna have a dual-boot system (hopefully)

And now the situation is this

My comp connects to the net, through an always on connection, through the Mentor Router.

If I plug in Pev's ethernet line, it shows up on the router.

We have scrapped the USB.

All we "should" have to do now, is run "quick set up" This will only run, if the comp detects the router, apparently. (The USB would detect, but wouldn't work, apparently windows XP does not like the usb device for this router, stick to ethernet)

With the ethernet plugged in, the quick set up won't work. HOWEVER> I have concluded that you only want to quick set up on one comp. Like so.

Quick set up: Gives comp connectiong to internet.
Quick set up on other comp: Gives that comp same connection to internet.

So it should overwrite my settings.

When you have the router plugged in, you are supposed to go to "http://10.0.0.2" and enter a password.

On my comp (0nce ethernet card worked) it worked fine. But with caz's comp, it tries to connect to the net, not the router settings.