Scorchio, many thanks for your help, i do appreciate comments from everybody in this thread. As for scan, i dont really have any hard feelings towards them; what has happened is unfortunate and leaves a sour taste in the mouth as i shelled out nearly £300 smackers on a card that is on its way out a exactly a year on. Scans customer service has always been great, and i dont expect that to change. I known they are a reputable and reasonable company and have faith they will treat my query in the same manner. the fact that i can ask for help here is testament to their great support in general.