Thats what I did with EE too... using the same CD, of course i encountered the same problem in Empires and got as frustrated as you. But of late, I began reading the Software License Agreement included with Empires:dotmw (You read it everytime you buy a game right?).
It says:
"You agree not to:
-Use the Program, or permit use of the program, in a network, multi-user arrangement, including any online use, except as otherwise specifically provided by the program.
-Use the program or permit use of the program, on more than one computer, computer terminal, or workstation at the same time."
Perhaps it is time for you to re-read the Software License Agreement... Remember, You clicked the "Yes" button, you adhere to the rules.
[This message has been edited by Space_trader (edited 11-26-2003 @ 09:00 AM).]