never had that prob Sandra because I add that file prior to installing NAV. I load OS, all updates and all programs [except NAV] then I image it and store it. Then when NAV is due for subscription renewal, I just  restore that image of C:Drive. And when I reinstall NAV, it thinks it is the first time it has been on the PC. I'm on Norton System Works 2003, but I've got definition update privliges till 18/04/05  

This is what I do Sandra, I image [and store to a backup partition]the C:drive on my Matrox 30GB HDD. I then restore that image of C:Drive onto my 40GB Samsung drive. Which incidently is already partitioned into four partitions.

When restoring an image to its original drive or on a completly new one, Drive Image first has to "unallocate" the space on the partition you chose to "restore" to. I use the term "restore" even if you are putting it on a new HDD.

Hope it helps.

As you know I have only used that "mergeide" file I sent you on W2K Pro.

what OS are you using on your server ?

I think you are looking at a new XP/server installation Sandra. the image that XP takes of the system contains more than just the IDE drivers it records all the major components e.g CPU, motherboard, video and sound cards just to name a few, and was designed by M/soft to stop you doing what you are trying to do

Brian

I realise that Lobo but if it worked for me last week by adding that reg file from the link that Dack put on earlier and its worked for Dack and Tony then it should work again this week shouldnt it  

Maybe you were just lucky, nowt as funny as PCs though

Brian

Thanks Sean, I found an article that says how to repair it without losing installed progs and settings so am currently trying that, keep your fingers crossed  

I dont know if anyone has tried doing it this way, I havent before :

How to Repair Install: (also called "In place reinstall")
Sometimes the only way to repair XP is to reinstall. You do not have to wipe your partition and start over. Just as with previous versions of Windows you can install over top of an existing setup. This has the advantage of retaining your installed applications, data and settings. You will lose previously saved System Restore Points but System Restore will begin creating new restore points again immediately following the Repair Install. You will need to reinstall SP1a and any Critical Updates from the Windows Update Site. Be aware that a Repair Install will leave your system vulnerable to the Blaster and Welchia worms. Do not go on line until you have enabled XP's firewall first. Then visit the Windows Update Site to patch your system  It is always prudent to backup important data before you make changes to XP.

There are two approaches. The first one should be used if you can still boot to your Windows Desktop. Simply pop the XP CD into the CD-Rom drive and select Install->Upgrade[recommended]. This will install XP overtop of itself in the same way as upgrading from a previous setup. However if your version is an OEM version then you will not have this option. If you do not see the option to Upgrade[recommended] DO NOT choose New Install as that will either overwrite your current setup completely or give you a dual boot setup.

If you cannot boot to the Desktop or you have an OEM version of XP then the following should be used to complete a Repair Install.

Boot with the Windows XP CD and at the Setup Screen press the Enter Key

You will be taken to the Windows XP Licensing Agreement. After reading the agreement press F8 to proceed.

The next screen gives you the option to do a fresh (clean) install or to "Repair the selected Windows XP installation." Press "R"

Windows XP will copy the necessary files to your Hard Drive to begin the installation  and will then reboot. You will see the message that informs you to "Press any key to boot the CD". Do not press any keys this time just wait a few seconds and the Windows Startup Screen will be displayed. Following this you will be greeted by the Windows XP Setup Screens.

When Setup has completed you should find all of your previously installed apps and settings are intact.
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If it doesnt work I will either have to set up the server again or I can always restore the image again and play around some more.
It would have been so much easier if I could have found out how to save and export the settings for the users of my server but all I have found so far is how to import them from an external database  
If anyone knows how to do this in WS-FTP Server v 4.0 then that may save me a lot of hassle  

Glad to see you're up and running again