Its an Acer Aspire 1801.

Thanks for your help I feel I am beginning to get somewhere now.

I could only find the 1800

I have had a look at the manual and the only place i think it could be to enable the encyption is in the Acer eManager where in ther i don't know cause it don't go in to detail. Sorry i can not help more in that area

It gets better as we go along

Think it is an 1800 think the (1) is just one of the available variations, feel reasonable confident I can sort it if I take time to read the handbook or check the online help. So will take the handbook to bed with me and perhaps I will start to tackle the scary stuff in the morning.

Gosh what an exciting life I lead.

Don't forget if you need anything explaining you know where i am

As if I would thanks I am sure I will I have not conquered the downloading of up to date drivers and things yet

if you tell me the model numbers of what your updateing i could help look for you as well.

Have managed to do the needed up grades so now I have no excuse but to get down to sorting out the protection bit.

ready when you are if you want to do it

Hi Leo, too much going on around me at the moment, think I had better wait till early morning when I can think and everyone else is in bed Will remember your offer if I get stuck and I'll be shouting for your help, but not at 6.00 in the morning

It's still dark outside at that time............lol