Once again I come, hat in hand, and also with many thanks. I haven't tried the latest info yet but I have faith in the people on this site. Now, to my latest trial. This concerns only my 2 xxx. One has a regualar cord and the other has the reel cord. Neither cord fits tight into the 2 prong receptacle in the back of the machine and the one in the reel actually throws the power breaker when I plug it in...eek. If I use the regular cord and move it around, it works for both machines and they hum along nicely. I believe the problem is in the round connector with the two holes on both machines. I have been looking online and have found poaces that sell replacement cords but they don't include the mchine-end plug. Does anyone know where these can be obtained without costing more than the vacuums are worth? Also, how would I go about changing the cord in the reel (assuming I can find either a complete cord or a replacement fitting. Also, what are the latest hoses that will fit the XXX and the LX? Sheesh, I didn't know I was going to have all these problems, but I REALLY love the way these machines work and sound. Again, thanks in advance.....and I probably will have more questions as I continue to plug alon.