Save Empire Earth

I have 2 computers (both win 7 64bit) on a network that have EE/AOC (neoEE'd) game versions 1.00.2473 (different cd keys). PC#1 = Host (DMZ'd & verified that others in lobby can connect to and play a game). PC#2 = networked and pingable by PC#1 but RIP symbol in lobby/game (and cannot see PC#1 in LAN). PC#2 can enter general lobby and PC#1's hosted game lobby (after receiving this message "The game has not replied to a ping yet. You may not be able to connect to the host when the game starts").

Things I've tried thus far:
Disabled entirely Windows firewall
Disabled AVG (anti-virus)
Made her account Admin (instead of child account)
Tried port-forwarding but since PC#1 is dmz'd host - erased after didnt work
HostPingRIP.txt - set to false
checked to make sure in WONLobby.cfg that "AllowJoinGameWithoutPing: true // new"
Made sure both LAN Broadcast ports were set the same (true, both at 8585)

Not sure if all steps were necessary but just showing what i've done/checked.

Something I noticed on PC#2, under Multiplayer/Options - the public IP, matches same IP as PC#1, but there is a symbol next to it. It started out as a flashlight then changed to 2 arrows, one on top of the other facing opposite direction (the bottom arrow looks broken <-- -). Any ideas how i can get PC#2 up and running to at least play LAN, would be greatly appreciated! If more info is needed, please feel free to ask.

Everyone as stumped as I am or holiday lull..?

Did you make sure that the hosting computer has the proper ports opened in its router?

Host has dmz open to his computer

So if it works in the lobby why bother connecting through LAN? Just go through the lobby.

the PC thats having trouble (PC#2) can "join" a lobby, however when host tries to start the game it fails because PC#2 is in RIP status and unable to truly connect to the hosted game.