That's worked, and the only difference between this setup and the last, was I haven't downloaded the latest security updates for XP.

Hmmmmm !

I am using personal.

I have ended up reinstalling Windows on a freshly formatted drive, as I tried reinstalling just SQLServer, but things just got worse.

I'll post again if this...

You beauty !!!!

I have been stuck with this problem for ages, and have search high and low for an answer.

Thank you so much