I am attempting to network a Windows XP host computer to a Windows ME client computer. Both computers are PIII or better and have plenty of RAM and hard disk space available. The XP host is fitted with a Realtek RTL 8139/810X Family Fast Ethernet NIC Adapter and the ME client is fitted with an Realtek RTL 8139(A) PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter. The symptoms are varied and despite repeatedly checking and going through the complete procedure, I cannot make the network work. After setting up, the host indicates that the network is connected but the client cannot recognise the Entire Network. Clicking on the ‘Entire Network’ icon in ‘My Network Places’, I am told ‘Unable to browse the network’, and ‘Windows is unable to gain access to the network. This may be for a number of reasons. For more information click HELP’. Going to HELP and following all the possible steps provides no explanation. I have tried using a Network Set Up Disk with files copied from the host, and also setting up the client using the Windows XP program disk. During my attempts to network, a Residential Gateway icon made its appearance advising me to click on the icon for more information. When I do this I am told that it is ‘A device that is available on your network’. I understand the problem is a common occurence when combining Windows XP and Windows ME on a network. Therefore, I went to the Microsoft Support site for help and found the article ‘A Residential Gateway Device That Cannot Be Controlled Is Displayed on a Windows ME-Based Client (Q298757). However, I do not understand what is meant by ‘connectoid’ or ‘a presentation page’ which are both mentioned in the above article. The ME based computer has a modern mother board and is plug and play. So I am completely puzzled. Can you please help?

Apparently, the term connectoid refers to the device which is available, but you are unable to control. The term presentation page refers to a ‘page’ provided by the device which contains information about the device and the ability to control the device. It seems that all your problems relate to Universal Plug and Play support. UPnP is an interesting concept and I encourage you to read about it if you are interested. You can find a good definition at www.whatis.com by searching for ‘Universal Plug and Play’. By default, Universal Plug and Play support is not enabled in Windows Me. Let’s first try enabling UPnP to see if this will solve your problem. To install UPnP support, go to the ‘Start’ menu > ‘Settings’ > ‘Control Panel’. Open the ‘Add/Remove Programs’ control panel and in the window that appears, click the ‘Windows Setup’ tab. In the list of categories, click ‘Communications’ and then click the ‘Details’ button. From the list of components, find ‘Universal Plug and Play’ and tick its box. Click the OK button and then OK again (to close the other window). UPnP support should now install. This should now allow your network to function properly. If you continue to have difficulties, please contact me again.