Thanks for the code Rambo, well I'm very happy with the solution, the code works great

Thanks for all you help

i'm not having much success with this, I have tried to create a splash screen using AutoIT and then adding it into presetup.cmd but it will not run / display.

It works find when executed under normal windows i.e XP hence my note to get a copy of trtprog.exe.

Will keep trying.... if I have any success will I will post a reply

Rambo, just saw your note and I would be very interested in getting hold of a copy of you progress bar.... any chance you could send me a copy?