Error code 1010: no eqhosts ? Yes, I RTFM ;)

[Galthus]

After 2 days of trials and reading, I need help, please.
P.S. The post template link results in a 404.

Win 98
Zonealarm shutdown
MySQL running
Minilogin running
Minilogin says World connects
5Zones say info loaded

EQ original, no active account, runs
Using EQW or command line, either gives error 1010: no eqhosts.txt

I have set all the text files several times.
I have tried to login in to an EQEMU server instead (and changed the ini/txts)
I am not completely ignorant of my home network...I have 2 win boxes and a debian linux.

Any ideas on what sounds like a simple thing? "error 1010: check to see if you have an eqhosts.txt file" ???? - yes it is there ;)