Ok, I have this working now. I figured out that I needed to download the files for i686 from here:
http://ftp.debian.org/pool/main/g/glibc/ Note that when I checked previously the i686 files were not there - only the ia64 and hppa etc. Anyway, I then ran dpkg - i each_of_the_deb_files and it now works a treat.I can continue to use apt-get and update latest files. Many thanks for resolving the problem guys. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.536 / Virus Database: 331 - Release Date: 03/11/2003