thx for the reply. i think i didn't give enough detail in my original message. my machine has two hard drive, one running w.98 and the other xp pro. i have tried repeatedly tio install norton ghost on xp and always get the error message about file fw-1394. i have copied this file and tried to install it only to be told that the file exists. i have tried to access the file only to be told that it is being used by another app. i have used task manager to see running apps but cannot identify the one using fw-1394. i have cleaned the disk and it is ok. i have tried syamntec help only to be told to try this forum. i would be gratefull for any answer.