NAC inc , I'm starting to think that this is the only way forward BUT I do not have a specific windows CD - only the Sony start disc with 'everything in one' - received with the laptop. Thanks guys for all the help , having worked this am , I am going to sit with a bottle of wine this evening , mull everything over and start again tomorrow - One shall hear from one!!! ( anymore ideas welcome , the more the better ) . Pprune reigns!
Thanks all , zed3.