thanks, essexman. the problem is that i need to transfer the saved files --- from the usb as well as the little external hard drive - on which all my data files on this laptop were backed up -- to the new one.
so i'm just a little worried about the data transfer into my new computer.
it sure is a 64 bit, windows 7 with all the fancy bells & whistles i don't need, but... life is good. and my little sony laptop acts like she is superman. i hope it'll please you to know i've been passing on all the good info you gave me, such as spyblaster, ie8, java, etc. etc.
thanks.