Thanks both. Will do.

Device Manager only indicates one port and that's for the printer, I therefore don't have an enabled COM port which would explain the problem? Getting a bit out of my depth now (happens quite quickly) so off to consult the guy who built it and get it sorted. I'll obviously need one no matter which system I use for update.

I'll report back in due course................

Thanks to all. Peter

It's not bundled with Apple PCs

Well, as suspected COM Port was not enabled, quick trip into BIOS and it now is, used Martin's programme and it appears to have worked! Now have to see if it's made any difference after all that. Still, even if not my knowledge base has increased............ I'll report back in due course, and thanks again to all contributors.

I was under the impression that Apple users didn't like their machines refered to as PCs.

I may be alone, but I don't like the idea that my machine is not a personal computer because it doesn't run windows. (Apple were using the term Power PC before windows was born)