ok done it... thanks for your help

flashed with setools 1.11

using same firmware and custpack
using your tutoral Flash your phone and How to apply or remove patch using SETool 2 Lite - Top Sony Forums

some reason xs++ didn't get passed the first file on the custpack

for reference to anyone else - setool 1.11 log showed this...

Code:
Trying to launch embedded bootloader...
INT LDR:COMPACT_ID_LOADER_CRIPPLED_SETOOL2_R2
Flash ID check:890D
Flash props sent ok
FOUND: R4CB020_CXC1250031_GENERIC_EL
Restore from:R4CB020_CXC1250031_GENERIC_EL
writing C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Desktop\W550_R4CB020_FS_EUROPE_2_RED49\W550_R4CB020_FS_EUROPE_2_RED49.fbn
CURRENT FLASH FILE CID:49
SSW uses dynamic hash, dynamic hash len is:273
Will flash 273 blocks...
SSW loading returns:0
writing C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Desktop\W550_R4CB020_MAIN_GENERIC_EL_RED49\W550_R4CB020_MAIN_GENERIC_EL_RED49.mbn
CURRENT FLASH FILE CID:49
SSW uses dynamic hash, dynamic hash len is:346
Will flash 346 blocks...
SSW loading returns:0
CSloader version:
SETOOL2 LITE  COMPACT_SEMC_FS_LOADER (FAT V26)
loader startup: executed
loader filesystem startup: executed
loader GDFS startup: executed
Writing package...
Directory: tpa/preset/custom/
CONTENT_DOWNLOAD_HOOK.itm (2048)
customize.xml (9285)
FM_PICTURES_HOOK_3.itm (10240)
FM_SOUNDS_HOOK_3.itm (10240)
FM_THEMES_HOOK_3.itm (10240)
FM_VIDEOS_HOOK_3.itm (10240)
GAMES_HOOK_3.itm (10240)
SETT_RINGTONE_HOOK_3.itm (10240)
Phone detached
Elapsed:776 secs.