Why do I receive a "Cannot Initialize Provider" error when hosting a LAN game?
 

Check "Network" in your Control Panel. (Control Panel can be found by double clicking on "My Computer" and then on "Control Panel.")

Make sure that you have "IPX/SPX compatible Protocol" listed under "The following network components are installed".
If you don't have that protocol installed you will need to add it.
If you are not sure how to do that, check with your company's Network administrator.
Or if you have no network administrator, check with someone who is comfortable working with computer networks or contact the computer's manufacture.
Make sure all the machines on the LAN have the IPX/SPX compatible Protocol installed.