Nevermind , Jere. I had just updated to Vista SP1 after SP1 RC1. Once I did that my USB devices, including the M$ remote started disconnecting every two or so minutes.
On top of that I can now network at speeds somewhat less than dial up. This is an improvement?

Yesterday I had finally had enough of this piece of OS garbage that is Vista, so I have put XP MCE2005 back. SA now works again.

Slightly OT, does anyone now how or where one can effectively complain to Microsoft about it's appalling Vista OS?