thanx for the reply DOC, yeah, that's the procedure I have followed.... still get the same SYSX message as stated in my original post and the lcd displays all blocks on the top row (forgot to mention that yesterday). When same board is stuffed with a `877 DINX4, lcd, pots, buttons all work fine. Of course, I have only had a couple of hours a day to play with this since getting the `452, so will have a bit more time this weekend to dig deeper. Have a GREAT DAY!!!! thanx gb