just an update -

i've succeeded - i guess the backup wasn't working - as I could tell the size of the backup was very small. When I used the dropdown menu to do a backup of the database - i get an error - says something like - not valid file - or something of that nature - i click ok - then the backup program runs.

Well - i went right into the the aw2k folder and found the backup utilities exe file and double clicked it from there - it then ran fine - did a backup to the laptop - copied it over to the desktop via the network - then restored the database on the desktop.

i'm in business - so now i'll wipe my laptop and sell it - anyone looking to buy a headache? LOL

actually - i love the laptop - to bad it seems to be plagued with issues - first had to have the power supply port resoddered. now the fans intermentily work - and it will just shut off when it over heats.

:(

onto better and brighter days -

thanks for the encouragement.!