Ok- it's not a closely guarded secret, but perhaps people's interpretation on it.

• Can you use individual, coloured images, to make each section of menu different - NO
• Can you use a single background image, to make an on, off, active, hover state - YES
• Are they all cross browser compatible - NO
• Can I do this in html method - In my opinion, not without alot of difficulty with the CSS / XML files
• Why is it hard to do in html - Because you need to add alot of functionality to the xml file so using ASCX method is easier

You might be doing all the right things in the CSS file with the active classes, but most poeple don't get it right because they do not include in the xml file nor do they put it into the ASCX file - so it's only half the story.

Jon Henning I believe does have a good skin available for utilising all the CSS elements on the solpart menu.

I will find the code I have used for this and examine it closer to give you an indication on what specifically you need to do, however, I must also tell you that each site / skin is different in how the information is presented..

It is a bit of work to get your head around, and I really understand where you're coming from.. I still have the brick wall next to me - for frequent head banging... based around menus, modules and upgrades, it's getting lots of use!

Nina Meiers