I've attached a new version of the program.
I made the following changes:
+ changed data_folder, ini_fn & help_fn to variables.
+ changed to use "DirectorySeparator" constant instead of "\".
+ added a call to GetAppConfigDir() in FormCreate.
+ included help text as a constant (in case the program can't find the help text file).
+ replaced "uses windows" with "uses math, lcltype, lclintf".
+ added "..." button to allow the images folder to be changed.
+ added upper-case image extensions (BMP etc).
I didn't change:
+ the move-piece code to respond to dragging (it still requires an initial click, then a mouse-move).
+ the drawing of the piece outlines on the stage.
Once again, my thanks to everyone for their very helpful comments & suggestions.
As before, I'd really like to hear from folks (specially those not using windows).
cheers
S.