many thanks for the reply Werner.
i did some more (general) reading, after i had posted, and it would seem that i shouldn't be doing what i was attempting to do ... story of my life

so, as much as i've loved playing with the latest knoppix, unfortunately my future is going to have to be with another (light) distro.
however, knoppix is now firmly my first choice for all "live" needs.
thanks again for the reply
... and even more for a superb live distro.