Well I thought I had solved my problem...
Yesterday I ran the update and synchronised manufacturers, I was then able to use the symbols and try out making some racks.
This morning I turned on my computer, and there are no symbols in the library, so I attempted to synchronise manufacturers again (also adding a couple of manufacturers). The website hangs on 'downloading manufacturer information' and does nothing. Is this something in my setup or a problem with the server? Why weren't the symbols i downloaded last night saved?
help please!
EDIT: problem solved, don't worry!