I've had the opportunity to try the ppm install on another computer -
and it installs fine. I'm trying to bring the fruits of that back to
the development computer and then start testing against the database.
I expect that will go well (I have had good experiences with
Interbase).

Plumbing - phoey. I say this from NYC currently experiencing a cold
snap (< 10F nightime temps), just watch, my pipes will freeze up
tonight.

Sorry for the false alarm.

Bill