Chris I believe you want ... (setq make-backup-files nil) in your .emacs file will sort out your backup file problem. My zope directory is still littered with the little '~' versions so worthwhile sharing this here. As for ftp - I seem to recall using passive mode with the xemacs ftp client under windows (well hey - it's still emacs and it's still under windows :-) ) ... (custom-set-variables '(efs-use-passive-mode t)) with a bit of judicious editing you can have an .emacs file that works with both emacs and xemacs. Can't help with the ftp client by the way ... I read a suggestion of using wget from someone on the net but never used and don't know. Ian J Cottee Blue Fountain Systems Ltd