The file system in VMS is indeed different from the unix filesystems. You just need to understand how it works. Take some time to read the user manual. It'll pay off, because when you understand the key features, working with VMS will be easy. In VMS logical names are used widely and it is important to know how they work. It might be easier to understand VMS if you forget about what you know about unix. There used to be a book called "VMS for Unix users", but unfortunately I haven't found it in bookstores anymore. It would be really useful nowadays for those who have an unix backgound and need to use a VMS system. I would need one as well (or in fact several copies), because I have to teach VMS to unix people every now and then. In this case seems that you try to delete a file but you don't define the complete file name with the device and path. VMS won't delete a file without an exact definition. You'll get the full definition by finding the file with DIRECTORY. $ dir a.a Directory SYS$SYSDEVICE:[USERS.KARI] A.A;1 Total of 1 file. $ del SYS$SYSDEVICE:[USERS.KARI]A.A;1 $ Regards, Kari On 18.6.2011 9:58, Mark Benson wrote: On 18 Jun 2011, at 07:02, hvlems at zonnet.nl wrote: Mark, I'll boot one of my alpha's today and post the contents of a private server dcl file that works for me. On an S3 Trio card, I have no 3Dlabs hardware. I think the flags I'm looking for are pretty universal, it's just how to format them etc. Another point - I can copy the template file to the .com file just fine. I ca't delete the .com file using the same file location, it says it doesn't exist, yet I can edit and copy it fine using the location: SYS$MANAGER:DECW$PRIVATE_SERVER_SETUP.COM Try to delete that and it balks at me. I obviously don't understand the file system in VMS yet either, it's a bit 'alien' compared to UNIX :) The 3Dlabs card is software settable, right? Not a jumper setting that must be changed. Steve Hoffman makes no mention of the PowerStorm 4D10/ELSA GLoria Synergy (it's a 3DLabs Permedia 2 8MB) needing special treatment, I'm sure he'd have noted that in his guide (as he has does the PowerStorm 3D30 and 4D20) http://www.dectrader.com/images/D/298796-001-01.jpg That's the card. No switches or jumpers that I can see.