Problems logging in on local server and Public

[veiks]

Well first off when i create a local server for myself i get the 1017 error every time i try and login. everything is setup correct and i have used the fix. My pc is running win98 has 256megs of ram 400mhz processor and 56k connection. My other problem is when I try and join a public server every time i get to the char creation screen it boots me off after a 15-30 second time period. then i left it at char screen and it did the same thing. do i need any programs running? ive read every post i can find about the problems and asked sevral people but nothing seems to work.