how do you create an xm file ? just getting to grips with 3ds max but not sure how to create an xm file now anyone care to advise me

ta

Export to .ase and then use asetoxm from the frontpage to create an .xm.

actually you will still need asetoxm for somethings but to convert your .x's to .xm's use "user.interface.x.xm.tool"

Yes, my fault. Dunno why I mentioned this oldschool tool anyway. Totally forgot about the new tool, maybe I should quit a few bad habits. :>