David,

I agree with you. I would have thought a de-reinstal would have sorted the problem out if it was to do with VFP settings. I have tried this once. I made sure there was nothing left on the disk before I reinstalled. I hope this is a Windows Registry problem!!!?

With reference to you questions:

1) I am starting with no parameters

2) All the options for file locations are valid.

Default directory : the directory where the COM is situated
Resource file : foxuser.dbf. This is in the directory where VFP is situated. It does exist.
Search path : blank
Startup program : blank
Temporary files : My entire E: drive (1Gb) with plenty of room.

Michael