network problem

[Big Booger]

The system requirements for windows 2000 Pro:

Windows 2000 Advanced Server:

133 MHz or higher Pentium-compatible CPU.
256 MB of RAM recommended minimum (128 MB minimum supported; 8 GB maximum).
2 GB hard disk with a minimum of 1.0 GB free space. (Additional free hard disk space is required if you are installing over a network.)
Windows 2000 Advanced Server supports up to eight CPUs on one machine.

I think from what you have written, that your old system is far above the minimum. Just turn off any non essential services, run the updates, defrag often and I think it will serve the purpose of serving files. I would recommend getting the fastest Hard Drive possible, and using a RAID configuration, again if that is possible. Tinker seems to be on to that windows 98 XP guide. He can also offer advice on the RAID configuration.
BB