I have been able to create a site on a drive other than C and install a custom web  part in that site. I’m unclear on what you mean by using VS.Net to connect to the site. In my case, I am using an XP workstation to write the web part in VS.Net and creating  a cab file for installation. I am sorry if I’m adding to the confusion, but I’m a bit puzzled myself. Simon, can you give more details about how you established a portal site your e drive?