Thanks for replies. I finally got my old Acer Windows 10 laptop talking to my EasyDCC command station and could program loco CV's both on the main and program track. It involved messing around with resets on the command station and re-installing the driver software for my Uintek cable - phew!!
Now I need to find out why the newer HP Windows 11 laptop will not connect when it used to do so.
More testing to day.