Perhaps i should initiate a rebuild and i can list the changes that i want to make. I know most of them, but as this thread has indicated, i adjusted the wrong one and have this minor mess. My set up is C: XP pro sp2 (lean as possible, keeping all temp files and non OS files on other drives) D: programs (i want d:/program files/ as teh default folder install location) E: data (which includes the - all documents and settings including 'my documents' and shared documents - Local settings. - temp file folder location - page file/swap file - common files - temporary internet files - downloads - $ntservicepackuninstall$ (hidden folder) - Outlook pst files. If you can help me with a definitive list that would be great! What i usually install XPpro sp2 (using an nlited and slipstreamed disc) then make these registry changes, then run XP updates a few times to catch all the updates. Then i install Office XP and install all the updates then i do the all the other programs.. Eventually i want to be able to make a ghost of the OS drive and if anything crashes, i can then just re-install that OS partition. ( i havent learnt that one yet?) Takeshi and Playsafe, i realy appreciate your help with this post!