i agree about uac...turned it off as soon as I turned on computer almost.  The folder thingie may be the problem.    I found something about powerpoint issues with saving for vista on the microsoft website last nite.  It was talking about folders.  Can you give me more detailed instructions on how to check that?  It is very weird all other programs are working and if i try to save scene it opens the save dialogue and it pointing to the documents/scenes folder automatically....but if i hit any of the other disk save buttons.....nothing....try to export picture and nothing....so maybe it is the folder thing.  I will investigate more and if you can give more detail on how to check that would be great also....

peace and love