Alt Tabbing did not work but it seems that I have fixed it. Just in case others run into this I'll tell how I fixed it. I went into the RA2 folder and changed ALL .exe files so they were 98 compatable and then I forwarded a port (1234-1237 work fine) so that it could find the internet. I'm guessing the error message was due to one of the minor .exe files not being set to 98 compatable, but it *could* have been a wierd "no internet connection" error box.
For anyone who installs YR on XP make EVERY .exe 98 compatable, not just the main ones and make sure you forward a port(and make that your default port in the options> network section from the main menu of YR). That seems to have done it for me, I just regret not figuring all this out 5 years ago when I was first bummed when it didn't work on my new xp computer. Oh well, better late than never. TY for the quick response and GL to anyone else installing YR- it can be a doozy. I have not played an actual online game after the install but I was able to connect to the lobbies so I assume it is working.
*edit* I did not have a firewall up
