screen size was the key. i changed the screen size to 1280 x 1024 and still did not have the option. i then trashed the prefs again and restarted the computer. i now have the multiple edits option. at 1280×1024 i can also keep the dock open. it is too bad apple does not list all the qwerks that need to be done to access menus in the user manual. i am glad groups like this exist. thx for the help tom.