Okay, first of all a hub can network a DSL based internet enviroment assuming it has an uplink option (old hubs you have to push the button but new ones do it automatically), However I would never suggest you buy a hub unless you have a specific reason for it.
Try pinging the other computers IP address from the command prompt. If it works you know the computers can communicate but that there is something else that is not letting them see eachother.
If they can ping eachother check to make sure they are in the same subnet ("ipconfig /all" at the command prompt)
If there is an issue with the subnet there are three options:
1. call your ISP and request that you get ip addresses in the same subnet (never tried this so I don't know if it works)
2. Install a second network card in the XP machine and run the DSL straight into it and share it through the hub with the 2000 machine (it can be done the other way around but XP has a very nice and easy to use wizard)
3. Buy a router, most home routers will run a DHCP services thus providing you with a proper subnet (This also adds a second layer of security as routers block access to computers, unless they themselves are compromised)
My guess would be that the subnets are the problem but a couple other things to check are:
Drivers (get the manufacturer's drivers not microsofts)
WorkGroups (I don't think this is a problem in XP and 2000 but in the old 9X systems I don't think you could see other workGroups)
Try different ports on the hub, I have had ports on hubs go out before (it got all the way down to where only one of them worked, still don't know which
)
That's just my thoughts, someone with more knowledge could tell you more exactly but this should get you started at least.
..... Oh and any changes you make you will most likely have to restart (including removing the DSL)
[ July 15, 2004, 03:42: Message edited by: Starcrusade ]