Thanks for the speedy reply.
I'm using F2/F3 to do the save/load (couldn't see where else I could in the menus, and the game warns that all progress is lost if I quit), selecting 'yes'.
I moved the first uninstall/reinstall onto my desktop in case it was permissions, as I couldn't see a save folder in programs(x86), which did result in a save folder, but with the reported behaviour. I've tried loading on the start screen and also in-game, same result.
Also tried copying the rpg to my ohrrpgce kaleidophone folder an ran it there (loaded into game.exe) - same error. If I delete the saves folder, when saving a game from fresh, the 2 files generated are 2.rsav and quick0.rsav.
Hope this helps - have been enjoying playing the game.