WinMX not loading the ws2_32.dll

[Bearded Blunder]

Tried changing from hosts file today, removed Pie, used install 2.0, the patch simply doesn't load on my PC, after starting WinMX I can even delete the ws2_32.dll with the program running (proving it's not in use I SHOULD get an error). The same thing occurs if I install BendMX or RCMS while using the pie patch (they never load). Using the install1.9 dll also has the same result.

Any ideas what would cause my system to ignore the winsock dll in the program folder & use the windows one regardless?

Operating System: Windows 2000 Service pack 4
Internet Exploder version: 6.0.2800.1106
WinMX versions tried with this 3.31 3.53 & 3.54 beta 4 (each installed clean to their own folder).

Pro Tem I'm using the Oleopro dll for Windows 9x & that does work, but it's vexing me as I'd really prefer to use a) the "correct" version for my OS & b) ultimately BendMX also.

[KM]

well, windows does allow the registry to be used to override the path programs use to look for dlls, so instead of looking in the current directory then the system directory it goes straight to the system directory, although i don't believe windows does this by default with any dll's...

i can't remember the location of the registry key and i can't remember what microsoft call this "feature" to google it and find it... however i have read about it and know it's there somewhere, no doubt someone else will remember the name of it now that i've reminded them... lol