I started to network my 2 xp boxes using a Linksys BEFSR41 router. Managed to ping the XP box from one another, but not outside (like yahoo...). I've tried both the automatic and manual IP assignment, configure router's MAC, updated firmware, reset cable modem (in both cases, 1st box was 192.168.1.100, and 2nd box was 192.168.1.101), but somehow the router just refuses to make a connection to outside. If I go back to the CableModem-->ethernetCable-->PC, connection is available as normal. Just to make sure, I tried this procedure with another router (Xrouter Pro from macsense), same problem. Any idea on what is going on? btw, I have the Terayon cable modem, and Rogers ISP. Thanks for any feedback.

Maybe ask your ISP if there are any issues with using a router. If you can't get it going, you could setup ICS from the computer which does connect to the modem.

Some ISP's need to see the mac address of th original network card that was used when the cable modem connection was setup. So, you may want to try MAC address cloning on your router. I believe Linksys supports this in their routers. Leave the machines' TCP/IP properties set for automatic addressing. OH, one last thing. Have you tried running the internet connection setup wizard after hooking up to the router??