I have resolved the problem. I am using CS6 on Windows 7. Besides Design Extender and Data Bridge I have e Cart 5.0.7. I also had installed Web Standards Advisor 1.0.2, Palette Picker 1.05, PayPal eCommerce tool Kit 4.5.4 SiteScribe 1.0.2 and Surveyor 1.0.8. I think Surveyor may have been the problem. I started removing everything till the start up problem disappeared. That was with surveyor. I have reinstalled eCart, DE and DB and all is well again. thanks