ok, i sure hope i'm not jinxing it now...
i eventually broke down and plugged the computer to the modem and downloaded every update possible (i think).
it seems to allow me to save renders now.
fingers crossed this is not jinxing it
i am not a superstitious person, except for when it comes to computers! i'll spit everywhere if it helps.
lol

seriously, i'm afraid to post this. :)
Vince, if it stopps working after this post, i might have to ask you to render for me!!!