I have at least been able to save the lot now thanks to your help Mootilda and I have backed everything up. I really appreciate it. Thank you

I stupidly thought I could just take it out of the Lots folder then put it back in. Clearly not that simple!

No. I'm afraid not. Hence calling myself an idiot lol

Ok, I know I'm an idiot but... I wanted to know the lot number of a certain property I'd built so I could save it out of the game, that way I'd always have it and wouldnt have to build it again anytime in the future. So I moved the lot package I thought it was out of the folder, loaded the game and yes the lot I wanted was no longer there. Great I thought, saved it then put it back in the folder. Loaded the game again and ITS NOT THERE! To make matters worse the owners are away on vacation so not only has their home disappeared I cant load their vacation lot either. I cant move them out of the vacation home, or move the lot to the lots and houses bin or even bulldoze it. Needless to say they are just in limbo land.
Any help would be greatly appreciated 

Brilliant as always Pescado. The cheat works perfectly. Thanks a million 

I'm sure someone may have already asked this question, but if so, I've been unable to find it, but after using Pescado's Buy/Build cheats for AL I wondered if there was possibly a similar sort of cheat for BV Hotel lots. Drives me mad that I can only alter the carpets, furniture and decor! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Lord Darcy, I'm so glad I asked, I had a feeling it couldn't be that simple. I think secuROM will have to stay where it is for now then. I never play connected to the internet, but my main reason for wanting rid is because I'd read on a thread at InSim that it eats Ram, so that was my main concern. Thanks again for replying 

Through streaming eyes from a stinking cold I have read and re-read the posts on deleting secuROM, but as a novice I definitely dont want to screw my computer up & if I've missed anything or am repeating something someone else has already asked then I apologise, but I'm feeling more confused than ever. The link in this post seems very simple compared to the instructions in the 'How to get rid of Securom NOW' thread. So what I would like to know is: has anyone other the Celesta tried this, and if so does it work on XP? or do I need to follow the more thorough intructions posted by Zazazu? I've already downloaded the no-cd crack and got that to work. I would just like someone far more awesome than I could ever possibly be to advise an old lady please 

Thanks Pescado, and everyone who helped me today. I uninstalled then reinstalled BV as instructed and now there is no lag in my game. Will steer clear of 'official' patches in future and make sure I keep checking on here first and get help from the experts! 

Yes, stupid of me!! Thank you 

Thank you so much for the advice, but I'm sorry I cant find the EAGAME~1/THESIM~1 directory

Thanks jsalemi. The whole game or just BV?? If its just BV do i do that in 'Add/Remove programmes'? I did warn you I'm a novice/idiot!! 

As a complete novice, or idiot (not quite sure which!!) can you tell me how to uninstall the patch, as unfortunately I installed it before I read this post and now the lag on any of the vacation lots is virtually unplayable. Its only in those lots though and not in the rest of the game! Any advice would be greatly appreciated