Thanks for your promt answer, changing DATABASE to XML as per Vlk info solved the problem. Although I downloaded the new MDAC I have not installed it yet. Found no problems with sounds enabled nor disabled.
Eddy, for your information: floppy in good condx, working in this & other systems. W98SE. This is the only system with avast! installed. Version 4.1 Home Edition build 4.1.418. Vps 0432-2.
Thank you again, excellent job!!!!!