Boy, thanks for all the tips. Gabrial--I started to redo the file before I read your reply and I am saving 2 copies now. I've never had any problems whatsoever with my system, programs or files in any way until today. This could just have been a single fluke; however, I am not above prudence and will do what you suggest. Huolong--your suggestion sounds intriguing. I'm all for optimizing anything. Where does one get "correct reference"? Zenman--It's important for me to have shadows for my spotlights; but, I will reduce the map sizing and turn off shadows for hair as well as all unnecessary objects. I have already finished half the file (I had a lot of the objects, poses & figures saved) and I am test rendering in FF every step of the way. So far so good. Thanks, all of you have been a great help.