Thanks Howard. Yes, I had been down that path and set up the installer version of PHP in my first attempt. Second try with the full version was OK but I was looking for the wrong dll. I found that all I had to do was remove the (;) comment marker from - extension=php_gd2.dll in PHP.INI and image files are now available.
Great software and a great support group, keep it up guys and gals!
Says he, after two days of muttering and swearing and frustration - I think it's been worth the hassles and I hope my colleagues appreciate the service.