Many thanks for your reply. Yes I was aware of XPs "Files and Settings Transfer Wizard" and not impressed with it much. It seems to forget ones installed progs also have registry files that are needed for them to function when transfered to wherever!! No I wasnt going to run my current OS on my new build PC... though Ive had no problem with doing that previously. I just call Microsoft which is toll free wow! And have explained Im reinstalling a new board etc and they give a new code without question. Hmmmmm your post note.. converting your current PCs OS to a virtual machine , Ive no idea where to start on that one, but it maybe an option and one I will look up, thanks. Oh a last Q please, windows registry... it may sound crazy but if I was able to transfer the progs I really wish not to install afresh due to the laborious task of the conetent I also need to install after setup...zzzzzzzzzzzzz Could I back up the windows reg on the old PC they are installed on... and copy that to my new one??? Therefore saving the reg and prog associations!!