does anyone know why the LAN option is not available in MAX2. Running it in win 7.

Think it was because it used some third party stuff that's no longer avaible. Something like the current *please log online to our servers first before you can play LAN* option many games of today are recieving.
MAX 2 is an example why such thing is a bad idea, if the company fails, or lacks succes, the multiplay suffers by becoming simply unavaible.

I think it might be because it uses the IPX protocol, which is no longer supported in windows vista or 7.
I haven't tried this, but in theory, it'd be possible to play via a virtual serial port connection using a piece of software called TCP-COM. If you google around, there should be some tutorials on how to use it. My brother and I used it to play the original Diablo with each other.

Actually LAN gameplay is still intact. You jest cant use the normal shortcut to launch the game into MP mode.

Instead goto start>all programs>gog.com>m.a.x. 1 and 2>m.a.x.>multiplayer

That will allow you to enjoy LAN games with IPX. I have done it multiple times already.

I'm sure you could also use programs like Himachi and KALI to simulate a LAN network.

Ya have you to use hamachi.

That is a given. Any1 thats any1 that knows about how internet games worked for dos games knows that. Especially when it comes to IPX connections.

The thing is tho even with hamachi, like I stated you have to use gog's special multiplayer shortcut for the game to access it properly. Or else you get the error message ingame stating that IPX connections arent opend or allowed.

P.S. this all only works for M.A.X. 1 not M.A.X. 2.

KALI is an IPX emulator and may not require the gog software. I've used KALI since 1997 to play IPX games over TCP without much hindrance.

OP is asking for help with M.A.X. 2.

Another option would be IPXWrapper http://www.solemnwarning.net/ipxwrapper/ . This has the added benefit of being completely free.