Firstly, thanks Robert for your prompt reply to my OE query. Started by trying SFC.....found only one file with a query and that was something called mxwin32.dll which is a system application extension file of about 5K and which was created a few days after I got this PC and is thus probably something to do with initial configuring etc. Also, it was created before I got my ISP connection so I don't think it has anything to do with this OE problem. Next, I thought I would try the OE re-installation.............fine except that I can't find the OE or the IE programs on my WIN 98 disk or the Gateway system disk or the Gateway 2000 disk which has MS Money 3.0/MS Office/ Professional 4.3 on it ! ! ! I shall doubtless be able to borrow a copy somewhere around here. Incidentally, you may wonder why I don't go to my friendly neighbourhood PC dealer............plenty of dealers in Fiji but they're all equally hopeless and masters of ripoffs. I imported this PC myself from NZ about 18 months ago so it's all a bit compliqué. Will let you know how it goes and once again.....many thanks. Dick Best P.S. Don't know when this will leave here as Telecom have wrecked our local distribution U/G cable in the process of installing another. The South Pacific is a Paradise if you limit youself to coconuts and grass skirts.