sorry for the trouble - i just figured it out and it works - couldnt see problem for looking
if this helps anyone else i'll post the java and php here
<SCRIPT LANGUAGE="JavaScript">
<!-- Begin
function NewWindow(mypage, myname, w, h, scroll) {
var winl = (screen.width - w) / 2;
var wint = (screen.height - h) / 2;
winprops = 'height='+h+',width='+w+',top='+wint+',left='+winl+',scrollbars='+scroll+',resizable'
win = window.open(mypage, myname, winprops)
if (parseInt(navigator.appVersion) >= 4) { win.window.focus(); }
}
// End -->
</script>
my php wid javascript in
print'<tr><td width=20% class=genmed><b>Name : <a href="' . $pieces[1] . '.php" onclick="NewWindow(this.href,name,400,400);return false;"> ' . $pieces[1] . ' </a></b></td>