Thank you for your efforts, I deleted the portal folders from templates and themes, then reuploaded and changed the _block_config.html and it is now working. Must have missed something along the way.
Thanks, again.

and thanks for the Board3 portal!

Thank you, but yes, I realize that I need to open the guide in ENGLISH. That is the guide I have been following.

the subsilver2 files have been uploaded to the hermes gray directory

Thanks again, and I beg for your patience with me, I am new to phpbb and php.

I followed this english step by step install guide (and backed up original files before editing), including the _block_config.php

I then re-did the installation using the backed up files for editing and uploading, prior ...

Thanks for quick reply, those folders and files are in place. I installed them initially, and re-installed them after your reply to make sure, no difference.

http://factor8guild.com/phpBB3/

Installed by following these directions http://www.board3.de/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=3853&p=24500&hilit=hermes+gray#p24500

Now I seem to be missing block borders and colors. Must have mucked up somewhere.

I've double checked and can't find my mistake. Any suggestions ...