I have two computers that are supposed to be networked together; I don't "do" tech stuff, it's a language I don't speak. (I do have a tremendous amount of respect for those of you who do!) System 1: OS Name Microsoft Windows Version 4.90.3000 Build 3000 OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation System Name CAMILLE System Manufacturer Professional Computer Care System Model PCCGENW98 System Type X86-based PC Processor AMD Athlon(tm) Processor AuthenticAMD ~604 Mhz BIOS Version Not Available Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS Locale United States Time Zone Eastern Standard Time Total Physical Memory 383.45 MB Available Physical Memory 161.09 MB Total Virtual Memory 1.43 GB Available Virtual Memory 1.08 GB Page File Space 1.06 GB System 2: OS Name Microsoft Windows Version 4.90.3000 Build 3000 OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation System Name DAVID System Manufacturer Wang System Model Not Available System Type X86-based PC Processor Intel(r) family 6 model 7 processor GenuineIntel ~450 Mhz BIOS Version Award Modular BIOS v4.51PG Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS Locale United States Time Zone Eastern Standard Time Total Physical Memory 255.45 MB Available Physical Memory 41.02 MB Total Virtual Memory 1.57 GB Available Virtual Memory 1.21 GB Page File Space 1.32 GB I have Windows ME on both; had many problems since installing. As I have limited knowledge in the tech areas, and have been trhough 7 (yes, count 'em ... 7) tech guys, I'm turning to you! Main problems: * Lock-ups. I've cleaned up the files, defragged, run scan disk, etc., and the system (particularly #1) continue to lock up, and stall when trying to open files within applications. * When attempting to get online (IE5), it takes several attempts. Once online, I get the "page cannot be displayed" thing ... alot. The connection is displayed as "connected", but it isn't. I'd be thrilled to just resolve these issues, then tackle the others on a sunnier day. Thanks, in advance, and blessings! Nancy

Nancy I'm not real a real techno when it comes to networking computers but the ones who are would probably would need to know - 1. Type of networking card in both computers. 2. Type of internet service you have - cable, DSL etc, etc. 3. Do you have the same problems when the computers work as a stand alone ? 4. Do you have the latest drivers for all your hardware on both machines? Good Luck

"Do you have the latest drivers for all your hardware on both machines?" A key question David asks. It's really hard to tell from this distance but your general problems sound as if you are running some kinds of software and or drivers that are not compatible with ME. Some anti-virus stuff causes these kinds of problems too. ME does work well but it doesn't handle some "non-ME" stuff well. Tim

I wish you lived near me in Orlando, Florida...I would have those machines up and screaming in less than 3 hours...If those were my machines this is what I would do...1. physically remove all cards(modem, sound, network) from the system, EXCEPT video card of course...2. start computer with my windowsMe boot-up disk...3. click option "start computer without cd-rom support"...4. at the a:prompt I would type fdisk/mbr...5. at the next a:prompt I would type in fdisk, then click my ENTER button to say YES to setting up computer to use FAT32...6. then click option (3) to delete my partition....7. then after clicking ESCAPE button I would click on option (1) to create a new partition...8. after all that I would alt-ctrl-del to restart computer...9. the boot-up disk is still in computer so this time I would use the option "start computer with cd-rom support"...9. at the a:prompt I would type in format c: /u and then I would type in Y to say Yes, I want to format...10. when that is all done I would stick in my windowsMe cd-rom and install windows...11. then, after installation is finished, I would make sure that windows recognized and installed my video card..if it didn't I would now install the correct driver...12. then, I would shut down computer and install my modem card...13. restart computer and install driver...14. repeat above steps for any other cards I might have (sound, network)..15. then, I would install my AOL, go online to microsoft.com and check for available updates, security patches, etc....16. then, if the computer is a VIA based motherboard I would download/install the latest 4-in-1 drivers...17. there are a few more ideas/suggestions/tweaks but maybe I have said too much and none of this applies to you..it's just that I have built dozens of machines of all types and makes and following the above steps works for me ...good luck.

As suggested by Richard, here's a bit more info: * I have "3Com Ethernet" networking cards. * I use Earthlink and browse with Internet Explorer through the modem in my computer. * The problems exist with the computers "un-networked" * I'm not sure the drivers are the latest, but the many technicians who have worked on the systems have upgraded lots of things. I truly wish I understood this stuff more clearly! I'm an artist, not a technician. I've relied heavily on people who are supposed to know what they're doing ... seems to get me in trouble and has cost me way too much money! I had Norton 2000 (anti-virus) on both computers, but the last tech took it off my main computer (Camille). I also use Pagmaker (just upgraded to 7.0), CorelDraw, and several other graphic-based programs. I have a scanner, a CD burner, and a digital camera plugged in, as well as a LaserMaster 1200 printer on "Camille" ... HP DeskJet 722C hooked up on "David" system. Currently, the two are not networked (don't know why the last guy undid them). Thank you for the input ... so far! And, Kenny, I'll have the next guy try your suggestions! Blessings, Nancy