Looks as if it works fine.

I changed the pst file name on the laptop to oldpst then opened Outlook and mapped it to the networked pst folder from the Desktop. It accepted the changes (with the usual Microsoft reluctance!!) then I closed everything down, restarted and opened Outlook and there was my up-to-date infomation which matched my Desktop information - MAGIC!!

I have not tried to follow the second part of your post as I have what I want so I will now leave well alone.

Many thanks for such a productive afternoon.

Gareth