David Freeman wrote:

Depends what else you use the password for.

It's my user password, the one that allows me to use samba in the first place. I wondered if it was possible to make a dummy user for no other purpose than making the backup over a samba mount. I just wanted to set up a system that is secure in the interests of good working practice.

If you put it in the file and just make it so it has

---x------ then you are away.

How do you mean? How can I just make it this?

Alternatively, scan.co.uk sell CDRW drives from 65, get one and use for backup.

Hollow laughter at the thought of either having my own money to part with or persuading my boss to do so......

The PATH= blah blah line in bashrc works a treat, thanks. I'll study root's bashrc file and try to understand. Many thanks, Jenny.