Not sure what you mean by "ink" files.

A/ Do I need to just reinstall the plug-ins they are asking for - how would I do this? Any help appreciated.

Step 1: Trash, Replace, Reset, or Restore the application Preferences: http://forums.adobe.com/thread/526990.

It probably won't help, but it's fast and easy and worth trying.

Otherwise, you should Uninstall InDesign (use Add/Remove Programs to remove it) and then reinstall it.

Deleting plugins is inadvisable.

B/ How do I get the new upgrade working if I can't run the zip file?

Sorry, what do you mean by "run the zip file"? Which zip file and what problem are you having uncompressing it?

I'm not a DPS person so I can't advise you about the Folio/Overlay tools, but I would make sure you take the InDesign update without them before you start adding them into the mix.

You will almost certainly have to uninstall InDesign first, but the installer should tell you. Try running the installer and see what it says.

Hrmm.

Well, if the relevant InDesign plugin is disabled (whatever provides the toolbar), it can cause this.

There are two ways the plugin could be disabled (at least) -- the file could actually be removed, or the PlugInConfig.txt file could include a line that tells InDesign to ignore it.

Now, I thought that resetting your preferences would have reset the PlugInConfig.txt file. Perhaps not. You should be able to find it in your InDesign preferences folder (consult the preferences resetting instructions for where to find it).

Also, you could run the Extension Manager and see if it lists anything as disabled...

Think I'm out of my depth in terms of ability to follow your instructions and experiment. InDesign plugin disabled makes sense - but where to find how to fix it based on your thoughts above, you've lost me!!

Sorry. In one of the myriad of directories, that file may exist. If it does, you may safely remove it -- then InDesign will use all installed plugin files. (If removing files makes you nervous, as it should, then you can just move it to the Desktop or some other temporary location or name so you could always put it back.)

As for Extension Manager I ran it and while everything listed against InDesign is ticked, some are greyed out but they are ticked - (Aside: I can't see any point in this program - I open it and have no idea what's it's supposed or not supposed to do. Other than uninstall stuff. Don't get it's usefulness.)

I think it's not quite fully baked but that they're planning to improve the situation in the future. Think of it as a work-in-progress.

Pretty frustrating this end - have no idea what to do next. Guess whilst I can look for the plugin's txt file - wouldn't know what to do if I did or did not find them!

Yes, do that. Find it and remove it.

What would you suggest? Buy another Indesign? Don't really want to do that -

It also won't help.

Another computer would work. Oh, you might also try another user account on the same computer.

The preference files I'm thinking of should be per-user (I think).

Alternatively I can "open" txt and image boxes in Indesign by placing a photo or copying some txt from word - then delete both but the boxes remain:) Awesome Adobe 2011:)

Gotta say, I don't think this one is quite Adobe's fault. I suppose they gave you (or your technician) enough rope to hang yourself, but it's not like you should expect the program to work if you randomly go in break off a few pieces on the inside and toss them in the trash...

John,

There's is, indeed, something odd about the link you are posting -- it tries to go to http://forums.adobe.com/526990 instead of http://forums.adobe.com/THREAD/526990 so you might want ot fix the shorcut on your end.

Very strange. The link on the main page definitely works I just tried it, and it copies correctly here, too.