spell/prefs.js

I can not get the spellchecker in mail composer to come up.  It has 
something to do with importing old prefs.js.   I wiped it and started 
up; the spellechecker came up as it was supposed to.  When I went back 
to the old (presumably imported) prefs.js it doesn't.  The 
about:config   with a mask of spell gives
editor.disable_spell_checker     default  false

Linux/Suse/8.2
mozilla 1.5a

but this problem has lasted through compiles, binary loads, etc.....
I would include prefs.js but I am sure it would bore everybody.
I did create a new email account and but it also inherited the problem.  
I can wipe prefs.js and rebuild it, or worse copy things in by halves; 
but this seems like admitting failure.
I don't mind failing; admitting it is another matter.

Ray