You folks have given me lots of GREAT new leads to research. Here is some followup to your questions & suggestions --
a) I'm obsessive about keeping McAfee updated daily, its firewall running, Adaware & Spybot checking 1-2x/week. So I don't think those are factors.
b) Interesting reading the M/S doc on files-naming issues & folder/file constraints for various file formats! My problem on this NEW computer really does seem related to its location in this dense hierarchy, so these constraints or similar still make the most sense to me. I'm sure I'm nowhere near 300,000 files yet, but plan to test the name issue anyway. That reference article is a keeper.
c) I do use Photoshop Elements, in fact. I used it on the old 98SE system where all these jpgs came from & w/o problem. Please tell me more...
Thanks so much for the suggestions & keep 'em coming. I'll report back after a few tests.
Silver
