no worries though I did move the csp.ini file from the inetpub folder to the intersystems folder and voila I can get there, though what is odd that if I use the old server address to login to that instance on the new machine it brings me right back to the login screen yet it works fine from everywhere else. and if I try to connect from the new machine I get error 500. 

thanks though it looks like it's still an issue here http://localhost/csp/bin/Systems/Module.cxw.... and the following. Error Code: DLG_FLAGS_SEC_CERT_CN_INVALID is when I try to go to the systems SMP page the question is what cert ? this is a copy of a system that works.  

I'm still looking to see how to pass a shortcut in, and an export doesn't work either with or without the $ symbol.  and I thought hard links may have been an option but they are not allowed. sigh! 

anyone have any further thoughts ?

thanks

Paul ( who is thinking maybe a windows platform may be an option)