IPCONFIG should tell you your private IP address. If IPCONFIG is telling you that both your computers have a 12.246 address, then you might have some sort of a funny broadband setup. What service do you use (cable/DSL/satellite), and what kind/type of broadband modem do you have? How does it connect with your network?

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as for the filesharing with win2k pro I did what you asked and installed the NetBEUI protocol. but the same problem is still evident. Now however, the "my network places" stops responding and has to be closed manually in task manager. Could this be related to my hub?

Possibly. Make sure all your computers are in the same Windows workgroup, and that none of them have the same computer name. That could cause the hang you mention.