Thanks, the xmlsoft.org rpm 2.6.13-1 and -devel worked libxml2-python-2.5.10-36 however demanded python-2 so I left that one alone.
Compilation and install SUCCESSFUL and I imported a oo doc OK. Will you add --disable-oogizmo to ./configure? although I like it and it works. I have a "padlock" now in YAST but I have been told before this makes no difference and it can be upgraded as usual in spite of the "do not disturb" marker. bart at solozone.com
