MAJOR system slowdown with Diamond Homefree phoneline network & Win 98

[Lost1]

HELP!!! Gettin' desperate here...

My desktop computer uses a Diamond Homefree 10MBPS PCI phoneline network card, and my laptop uses a Diamond Homefree 1MBPS USB phoneline box. Both systems running Windows 98SE. The network is up & running fine- no problems with connection sharing or file transfers, etc.
However, when both are connected to the phoneline, the desktop (a 1400MHz AMD T-Bird) runs VERY slow. Disconnect from the network, reboot, and it runs normally. Hook it back onto the network, and it slows down again. (VERY slow- takes 30 seconds just to open a window!)
I've used these components in several previous networks, so I know they are not defective.

The Diamond tech support page lists a fix for this problem in Win ME, but the solution doesn't apply to Win 98SE.
(Win ME fix: Under TCP/IP Properties for Diamond Homefree Adapter, Disable "Detect Connection To Network Media.")
The option to disable this function does not exist in Win 98.

Can anyone tell me the equivalent of this solution for Win 98, or maybe another fix?
Thanks.

[storm2k]

do you have other bindings such as ipx/spx, etc enabled?

i am guessing tihs works completely by tcp/ip... you shouldn't need others... win98 might be slowing down by trying to use em.

go into your network props in control panel and take out any ones you don't need.

[Lost1]

Thanks for the suggestion Storm2K,
By default, IPX/SPX is assigned to the Diamond Homefree LAN adaptor, so I'll disable it to see if that makes a difference.

I've set up a half-dozen of these networks (for friends & family) and I've never had this problem before, even with the default (IPX/SPX) settings.

Since I don't know doodly about networking (other than how to install these particular cards and read their instructions) there's definitely a learning curve involved this time!

If anyone else has any ideas, feel free to throw them out...

Thanks

[cadetstimp]

A network connection slows down significantly without a valid DNS configuration. Check to make sure the DNS servers your pointed to ping with a response.