Sorcha -

A quick check with the Mickey$oft Knowledge Base indicates that the "Error 404" is a "file not found" message that should not occur for you unless it happens for a lot of people trying to acces the 'cat - if a mudcat problem was causing it.

In other words, the problem is with the way your machine is asking for the connection - not with how mudcat is offering the connection.

Nearly all of the references to this error message in the KB relate to LAN server setup, proxy servers, and other LAN problems. The majority of problems cited are the result of improper scripting of a "proxy server" or incorrect requests to the "proxy server." There's not much I can offer to help in any of the situations described for this error message - since I simply "don't go there" enough.

If you have high-speed connection, there is likely to be a proxy server built-in somewhere in your connection, and this could cause this error message. If you're using dial-up POTS connection, there shouldn't be a proxy server anywhere in your setup, but if a check mark got placed in the wrong box, your machine may be looking for one that isn't there.

Your ISP should provide a way for you to connect "away from home" - as when you take your laptop down to the nearest truck stop and plug into one of their phone taps. If you're using a hi-speed hookup, you might want to see if you can plug into your phone line and get a connection (through your ISP) that way. You could have someone bring a laptop over to try - or you could try from their place (You'll have to log in, and shouldn't be giving them your password(s) to do it for you?). If you can connect, then the problem is in the interface, or in the setup your machine is trying to use to get through the interface.

Beyond this, there's not much I can think of that I could do to help. The problem appears to be in an area I don't have much experience with.

John