*"Forgot to add:  You can not apply a material to a prop/figure that the Mat file is not intended for.  You will get strange results."
*Where did you have rouble?  Some scene Element's Material ZOnes do'nt root at the PoserSurface node, like Lights, and Atmosphers, I think.  Bu the vast majority of Figures, and Props do, in which case the Material File shouldbe compatable.