thanks for the help
it seems a rebuild/name shortening is working now. I tried the file name shjortening earlier, with no results. after the rebuild (and a pram zap) things seem to be in working order. as for LW PRO HELP, they have successfully ignored my last three messages sent to them. I'm left wondering why I shelled out any money for this damned frustrating product. I'd love to lambaste LW (mostly for their "support"), but I doubt 90% of the words would reach the reading public.
again thanks.
blackstar
btw, as far as I know, the desktop had never been rebuilt on this machine.