"cvs add" using the WinCVS 2.0.2.4 console

Hi all,

I did some degree of searching for this, and I thought I found the 
solution, but still no luck.  I'm hoping somebody can help.

I just recently setup a CVS server on my Ubuntu machine on my home 
network.  And I'm using WinCVS from one of my XP machines to 
communicate with the remote repository.

If I attempt to "add", say, a new directory, I get the infamous "No 
CVSROOT specified! Pelase use the '-d' option".  However, I have 
clearly setup the CVSROOT parameters outlined in the "Remote >>> 
Checkout settings ..." section of the WinCVS interface.  

If I attempt to perform a checkout (although, there's nothing to 
checkout) I can clearly see this CVSROOT parameter appear in the 
commandline.  I don't get that "No CVSROOT specified" error.  So why 
is it ignored during the "cvs add"?

Furhtermore, I've read countless entries about how the CVSROOT 
environment variable must be set from the unix command prompt.  But 
is this necessary if it's always included in every command?

Thanks in advance!

-Chris