Opening a preference (.xin) file in INROADS V8i

I have tried to load various preference files (.xin) that I have created in the past and even one that a coworker sent me of his current IROADS .xin file and although it shows in the path name that the file is attached to INROADS Suit nothing appears when I try to display information on the screen.  For instance I am trying to display contours and I can't pull up any preloaded preferences in the dialog box.  Also, if I choose to create my own and click save it says that it was saved but if I close the preferences dialog box and open it back up nothing appears.  I do have read/write permissions but it is almost like something else is keeping me from being able to load and write to the .xin files.  Any help?