UPDATE - It is finished .

I now have a huge amount of space in which to install programs. Nate is formatted (he's had a lobotomy), partitioned, and cloned, and I'm putting my backups back on as I type.

Honestly, it had turned into an ordeal and I was ready to chuck it and just make-do with the 256MB alloted from the factory. Then, one last try (after MANY), and it all fell into place and worked. I was startled, frankly, but am totally pleased now even though I'm not sure what was wrong for so long and what is now right...just kept doing the same things as far as I know, and it finally worked!

THANK YOU so much for your help GeraldKo, Un27Pee, Geneven, and KristianW, if any of you are ever in my town I'll buy you dinner .

chiaowl