diff --git a/tools/script_manager.lua b/tools/script_manager.lua
index 684d488..0d49f3c 100644
--- a/tools/script_manager.lua
+++ b/tools/script_manager.lua
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 --[[
   This file is part of darktable,
-  copyright (c) 2018 Bill Ferguson <wpferguson@gmail.com>
+  copyright (c) 2018, 2020 Bill Ferguson <wpferguson@gmail.com>
   
   darktable is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
   it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
@@ -18,29 +18,42 @@
 --[[
     script_manager.lua - a tool for managing the darktable lua scripts
 
-    script_manager is designed to run as a standalone script so that it
-    may be used as a drop in luarc file in the user's $HOME/.config/darktable
-    ($HOME/AppData/Local/darktable on windows)  directory.  It may also be 
-    required from a luarc file.
+    script_manager is designed to be called from the users luarc file and used to
+    manage the lua scripts.
 
-    On startup script_manager checks to see if there is an  existing scripts directory.  
-    If there is an existing lua scripts directory then it is read to see what scripts are present.  
-    Scripts are sorted by "category" based on what subdirectory they are found in, thus with a lua 
-    scripts directory that matched the current repository the categories would be contrib, examples, 
-    offical, and tools.  Each script has an Enable/Disable button to enable or disable the script.
+    On startup script_manager scans the lua scripts directory to see what scripts are present.
+    Scripts are sorted by 'category' based on what sub-directory they are in.  With no 
+    additional script repositories iinstalled, the categories are contrib, examples, official
+    and tools.  When a category is selected the buttons show the script name and whether the
+    script is started or stopped.  The button is a toggle, so if the script is stopped click 
+    the button to start it and vice versa.
 
-    A link is created to the user's Downloads directory on linux, unix and MacOS.  Windows users must create the 
-    link manually using mklink.exe.  Additional "un-official" scripts may be downloaded 
-    from other sources and placed in the users Downloads directory.  These scripts all fall in a downloads category.  
-    They also each have an Enable/Disable button.
+    Features
+
+    * the number of script buttons shown can be changed to any number between 5 and 20.  The 
+      default is 10 buttons.  This can be changed in the configuration action.
+
+    * additional repositories of scripts may be installed using from the install/update action.
+
+    * installed scripts can be updated from the install/update action.  This includes extra
+      repositories that have been installed.
+
+    * the scripts can be disabled if desired from the install/update action.  This can only
+      be reversed manually.  To enable the "Disable Scripts" button, check the checkbox to
+      endable it.  This is to prevent accidentally disabling the scripts.  Click the 
+      "Disable Scripts" button and the luarc file is renamed to luarc.disable.  If at
+      a later time you want to enable the scripts again, simply rename the luarc.disabled 
+      file to luarc and the scripts will run.
 
 ]]
 
+
 local dt = require "darktable"
 local du = require "lib/dtutils"
 local df = require "lib/dtutils.file"
 local ds = require "lib/dtutils.string"
 local dtsys = require "lib/dtutils.system"
+local log = require "lib/dtutils.log"
 
 local gettext = dt.gettext
 
@@ -52,22 +65,41 @@ local function _(msgid)
     return gettext.dgettext("script_manager", msgid)
 end
 
-collectgarbage("stop")
+-- api check
+
+du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0", "script_manager")
+
 
 -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
 -- C O N S T A N T S
 -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
+
 -- path separator
 local PS = dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" and "\\" or "/"
 
 -- command separator
 local CS = dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" and "&" or ";"
 
+local MODULE = "script_manager"
+
+local MIN_BUTTONS_PER_PAGE = 5
+local MAX_BUTTONS_PER_PAGE = 20
+local DEFAULT_BUTTONS_PER_PAGE = 10
+
+local DEFAULT_LOG_LEVEL = log.error
+
 local LUA_DIR = dt.configuration.config_dir .. PS .. "lua"
 local LUA_SCRIPT_REPO = "https://github.com/darktable-org/lua-scripts.git"
-local CURR_API_VERSION = dt.configuration.api_version_string
 
-dt.print_log("LUA_DIR is " .. LUA_DIR)
+local CURR_API_STRING = dt.configuration.api_version_string
+
+-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
+-- L O G  L E V E L
+-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
+
+local old_log_level = log.log_level()
+
+log.log_level(DEFAULT_LOG_LEVEL)
 
 -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
 -- N A M E  S P A C E
@@ -76,20 +108,47 @@ dt.print_log("LUA_DIR is " .. LUA_DIR)
 local script_manager = {}
 local sm = script_manager
 
+sm.executables = {}
+sm.executables.git = df.check_if_bin_exists("git")
+
+sm.module_installed = false
+sm.event_registered = false
+
+-- set up tables to contain all the widgets and choices
+
+sm.widgets = {}
+sm.categories = {}
+sm.scripts = {}
+sm.page_status = {}
+sm.page_status.num_buttons = DEFAULT_BUTTONS_PER_PAGE
+sm.page_status.buttons_created = 0
+sm.page_status.current_page = 0
+sm.page_status.category = ""
+
+-- installed script repositories
+sm.installed_repositories = {
+  {name = "lua-scripts", directory = LUA_DIR},
+}
+
+
+-- don't let it run until everything is in place
+sm.run = false
+
 -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
 -- F U N C T I O N S
 -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
 
-local function prequire(script)
-  dt.print_log("Loading " .. script)
-  local status, lib = pcall(require, script)
-  if status then
-    dt.print_log("Loaded " .. script)
-  else
-    dt.print_error("Error loading " .. script)
-    dt.print_error(lib)
+local function pref_read(name, pref_type)
+  log.msg(log.debug, "name is " .. name .. " and type is " .. pref_type)
+  local val = dt.preferences.read(MODULE, name, pref_type)
+  if not string.match(pref_type, "bool") then
+    log.msg(log.debug, "read value " .. tostring(val))
   end
-  return status, lib
+  return val
+end
+
+local function pref_write(name, pref_type, value)
+   dt.preferences.write(MODULE, name, pref_type, value)
 end
 
 local function update_combobox_choices(combobox, choice_table, selected)
@@ -103,70 +162,84 @@ local function update_combobox_choices(combobox, choice_table, selected)
       combobox[j] = nil
     end
   end
+  if not selected then
+    selected = 1
+  end
+
   combobox.value = selected
 end
 
-local function install_scripts()
-  local result = false
-
-  if df.check_if_file_exists(LUA_DIR) then
-    if df.check_if_file_exists(LUA_DIR .. ".orig") then
-      if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
-        os.execute("rmdir /s " .. LUA_DIR .. ".orig")
-      else
-        os.execute("rm -rf " .. LUA_DIR .. ".orig")
-      end
-    end
-    os.rename(LUA_DIR, LUA_DIR .. ".orig")
+local function add_script_category(category)
+  if #sm.categories == 0 or not string.match(du.join(sm.categories, " "), ds.sanitize_lua(category)) then
+    table.insert(sm.categories, category)
+    sm.scripts[category] = {}
+    log.msg(log.debug, "created category " .. category)
   end
-
-  local git = df.check_if_bin_exists("git")
-
-  if not git then
-    dt.print("ERROR: git not found.  Install or specify the location of the git executable.")
-    return
-  end
-
-  local git_command = git .. " clone " .. sm.lua_repository .. " " .. LUA_DIR
-  dt.print_log("install git command is " .. git_command)
-
-  result = os.execute(git_command)
-
-  if not df.check_if_file_exists(LUA_DIR .. PS .. "downloads") then
-    os.execute("mkdir " .. LUA_DIR .. PS .. "downloads")
-  end
-
-  return result
 end
 
-local function update_scripts()
-  local result = false
-
-  local git = df.check_if_bin_exists("git")
-
-  if not git then
-    dt.print("ERROR: git not found.  Install or specify the location of the git executable.")
-    return
-  end
-
-  local git_command = "cd " .. LUA_DIR .. " " .. CS .. " " .. git .. " pull"
-  dt.print_log("update git command is " .. git_command)
-
-  if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
-    result = dtsys.windows_command(git_command)
+local function get_script_doc(script)
+  local description = nil
+  f = io.open(LUA_DIR .. PS .. script .. ".lua")
+  if f then
+    -- slurp the file
+    local content = f:read("*all")
+    f:close()
+    -- assume that the second block comment is the documentation
+    description = string.match(content, "%-%-%[%[.-%]%].-%-%-%[%[(.-)%]%]")
   else
-    result = os.execute(git_command)
+    log.msg(log.error, _("Cant read from " .. script))
   end
-
-  if dt.preferences.read("script_manager", "use_lua_scripts_version", "bool") and 
-     dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
-    use_lua_scripts_version()
+  if description then
+    return description
+  else
+    return "No documentation available"
   end
-
-  return result
 end
 
-local function add_script_data(script_file)
+local function activate(script)
+  log.msg(log.info, "activating " .. script.name)
+  local status, err = du.prequire(script.path)
+  if status then
+    pref_write(script.script_name, "bool", true)
+    log.msg(log.screen, _("Loaded ") .. script.script_name)
+    script.running = true
+  else
+    log.msg(log.screen, script.script_name .. _(" failed to load"))
+    log.msg(log.error, "Error loading " .. script.script_name)
+    log.msg(log.error, "Error message: " .. err)
+  end
+  return status
+end
+
+local function deactivate(script)
+  -- presently the lua api doesn't support unloading gui elements therefore
+  -- we just mark then inactive for the next time darktable starts
+
+  -- deactivate it....
+
+  pref_write(script.script_name, "bool", false)
+  script.running = false
+  log.msg(log.info, "setting " .. script.script_name .. " to not start")
+  log.msg(log.screen, script.name .. _(" will not start when darktable is restarted"))
+end
+
+local function add_script_name(name, path, category)
+  log.msg(log.debug, "category is " .. category)
+  log.msg(log.debug, "name is " .. name)
+  local script = { 
+    name = name, 
+    path = category .. "/" .. path .. name,
+    running = false,
+    doc = get_script_doc(category .. "/" .. path .. name),
+    script_name = category .. "/" .. name
+  }
+  table.insert(sm.scripts[category], script)
+  if pref_read(script.script_name, "bool") then
+    activate(script)
+  end
+end
+
+local function process_script_data(script_file)
 
   -- the script file supplied is category/filename.filetype
   -- the following pattern splits the string into category, path, name, fileename, and filetype
@@ -185,274 +258,382 @@ local function add_script_data(script_file)
     pattern = "(.-)\\(.-)(([^\\]-)%.?([^%.\\]*))$"
   end
 
-  dt.print_log("processing " .. script_file)
+  log.msg(log.info, "processing " .. script_file)
 
   -- add the script data
   local category,path,name,filename,filetype = string.match(script_file, pattern)
-  dt.print_log("category is " .. category)
-  dt.print_log("name is " .. name)
+  log.msg(log.debug, "category is " .. category)
+  log.msg(log.debug, "name is " .. name)
+
+  add_script_category(category)
 
-  if #sm.script_categories == 0 or not string.match(du.join(sm.script_categories, " "), category) then
-    sm.script_categories[#sm.script_categories + 1] = category
-    sm.script_names[category] = {}
-  end
   if name then
-    dt.print_log("category is " .. category)
-    dt.print_log("name is " .. name)
-    if not string.match(du.join(sm.script_names[category], " "), name) then
-      sm.script_names[category][#sm.script_names[category] + 1] = name
-      sm.script_paths[category .. "/" .. name] = category .. "/" .. path .. name
-      if category == "downloads" then
-        sm.have_downloads = true
-      end
-    end
+    add_script_name(name, path, category)
   end
 end
 
-local function scan_scripts()
-  local find_cmd = "find -L " .. LUA_DIR .. " -name \\*.lua -print | sort"
+local function scan_scripts(script_dir)
+  local script_count = 0
+  local find_cmd = "find -L " .. script_dir .. " -name \\*.lua -print | sort"
   if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
-    find_cmd = "dir /b/s " .. LUA_DIR .. "\\*.lua | sort"
+    find_cmd = "dir /b/s " .. script_dir .. "\\*.lua | sort"
   end
+  log.msg(log.debug, _("find command is ") .. find_cmd)
   -- scan the scripts
   local output = io.popen(find_cmd)
   for line in output:lines() do
-    local l = string.gsub(line, ds.sanitize_lua(LUA_DIR) .. PS, "") -- strip the lua dir off
-    local script_file = l:sub(1,-5)
-    if not string.match(script_file, "script_manager") then  -- let's not include ourself
-      if not string.match(script_file, "plugins") then         -- skip plugins
-        if not string.match(script_file, "lib" .. PS) then       -- let's not try and run libraries
-          if not string.match(script_file, "include_all") then     -- skip include_all.lua
-            if not string.match(script_file, "yield") then          -- special case, because everything needs this
-              add_script_data(script_file)
-            else
-              -- prequire(script_file) -- load yield.lua
+    local l = string.gsub(line, ds.sanitize_lua(LUA_DIR) .. PS, "")   -- strip the lua dir off
+    local script_file = l:sub(1,-5)                                   -- strip off .lua\n
+    if not string.match(script_file, "script_manager") then           -- let's not include ourself
+      if not string.match(script_file, "plugins") then                -- skip plugins
+        if not string.match(script_file, "lib" .. PS) then            -- let's not try and run libraries
+          if not string.match(script_file, "%.git") then              -- don't match files in the .git directory
+            process_script_data(script_file)
+            script_count = script_count + 1
+          end
+        end
+      end
+    end
+  end
+  return script_count
+end
+
+local function update_scripts()
+  local result = false
+
+  local git = sm.executables.git
+
+  if not git then
+    dt.print("ERROR: git not found.  Install or specify the location of the git executable.")
+    return
+  end
+
+  local git_command = "cd " .. LUA_DIR .. " " .. CS .. " " .. git .. " pull"
+  log.msg(log.debug, "update git command is " .. git_command)
+
+  if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
+    result = dtsys.windows_command(git_command)
+  else
+    result = os.execute(git_command)
+  end
+
+  if result == 0 then
+    dt.print(_("lua scripts successfully updated"))
+  end
+
+  return result
+end
+
+local function update_script_update_choices()
+  local installs = {}
+  local pref_string = ""
+  for i, repo in ipairs(sm.installed_repositories) do
+    table.insert(installs, repo.name)
+    pref_string = pref_string .. i .. "," .. repo.name .. "," .. repo.directory .. ","
+  end
+  update_combobox_choices(sm.widgets.update_script_choices, installs, 1)
+  log.msg(log.debug, "repo pref string is " .. pref_string)
+  pref_write("installed_repos", "string", pref_string)
+end
+
+local function scan_repositories()
+  local script_count = 0
+  local find_cmd = "find -L " .. LUA_DIR .. " -name \\*.git -print | sort"
+  if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
+    find_cmd = "dir /b/s /a:d " .. LUA_DIR .. PS .. "*.git | sort"
+  end
+  log.msg(log.debug, _("find command is ") .. find_cmd)
+  local output = io.popen(find_cmd)
+  for line in output:lines() do
+    local l = string.gsub(line, ds.sanitize_lua(LUA_DIR) .. PS, "")   -- strip the lua dir off
+    local category = string.match(l, "(.-)" .. PS)                        -- get everything to teh first /
+    if category then                                                 -- if we have a category (.git doesn't)
+      log.msg(log.debug, "found category " .. category)
+      if not string.match(category, "plugins") and not string.match(category, "%.git") then -- skip plugins
+        if #sm.installed_repositories == 1 then
+          log.msg(log.debug, "only 1 repo, adding " .. category)
+          table.insert(sm.installed_repositories, {name = category, directory = LUA_DIR .. PS .. category})
+        else
+          log.msg(log.debug, "more than 1 repo, we have to search the repos to make sure it's not there")
+          local found = nil
+          for _, repo in ipairs(sm.installed_repositories) do
+            if string.match(repo.name, ds.sanitize_lua(category)) then
+              log.msg(log.debug, "matched " .. repo.name)
+              found = true
+              break
             end
           end
+          if not found then
+            table.insert(sm.installed_repositories, {name = category, directory = LUA_DIR .. PS .. category})
+          end
         end
       end
     end
   end
-  -- work around because we can't dynamically add a new stack child.  We create an empty child that will be
-  -- populated with downloads as they occur.  If there are already downloads then this is just ignored
-
-  add_script_data("downloads" .. PS)
+  update_script_update_choices()
 end
 
--- get the script documentation, with some assumptions
-local function get_script_doc(script)
-  local description = nil
-  f = io.open(LUA_DIR .. PS .. script .. ".lua")
-  if f then
-    -- slurp the file
-    local content = f:read("*all")
-    f:close()
-    -- assume that the second block comment is the documentation
-    description = string.match(content, "%-%-%[%[.-%]%].-%-%-%[%[(.-)%]%]")
-  else
-    dt.print_error("Cant read from " .. script)
+local function install_scripts()
+  local url = sm.widgets.script_url.text
+  local category = sm.widgets.new_category.text
+
+  if string.match(du.join(sm.categories, " "), ds.sanitize_lua(category)) then
+    log.msg(log.screen, _("category ") .. category .. _(" is already in use.  Please specify a different category name."))
+    log.msg(log.error, "category " .. category .. " already exists, returning...")
+    return
   end
-  if description then
-    return description
-  else
-    return "No documentation available"
+
+  local result = false
+
+  local git = sm.executables.git
+
+  if not git then
+    dt.print("ERROR: git not found.  Install or specify the location of the git executable.")
+    return
   end
-end
 
-local function activate(script, scriptname)
-  dt.print_log("activating " .. scriptname)
-  local status, err = prequire(sm.script_paths[script])
-  if status then
-    dt.preferences.write("script_manager", script, "bool", true)
-    dt.print("Loaded " .. scriptname)
+  local git_command = "cd " .. LUA_DIR .. " " .. CS .. " " .. git .. " clone " .. url .. " " .. category
+  log.msg(log.debug, "update git command is " .. git_command)
+
+  if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
+    result = dtsys.windows_command(git_command)
   else
-    dt.print(scriptname .. " failed to load")
-    dt.print_error("Error loading " .. scriptname)
-    dt.print_error("Error message: " .. err)
+    result = dtsys.external_command(git_command)
   end
-  return status
+
+  log.msg(log.info, "result from import is " .. result)
+
+  if result == 0 then
+    local count = scan_scripts(LUA_DIR .. PS .. category)
+    if count > 0 then
+      update_combobox_choices(sm.widgets.category_selector, sm.categories, sm.widgets.category_selector.selected)
+      dt.print(_("scripts successfully installed into category ") .. category)
+      table.insert(sm.installed_repositories, {name = category, directory = LUA_DIR .. PS .. category})
+      update_script_update_choices()
+      for i = 1, #sm.widgets.category_selector do
+        if string.match(sm.widgets.category_selector[i], ds.sanitize_lua(category)) then
+          log.msg(log.debug, "setting category selector to " .. i)
+          sm.widgets.category_selector.selected = i
+          break
+        end
+        i = i + 1
+      end
+      log.msg(log.debug, "clearing text fields")
+      sm.widgets.script_url.text = ""
+      sm.widgets.new_category.text = ""
+      sm.widgets.main_menu.selected = 3
+    else
+      dt.print(_("No scripts found to install"))
+      log.msg(log.error, "scan_scripts returned " .. count .. " scripts found.  Not adding to category_selector")
+    end
+  else
+    dt.print(_("failed to download scripts"))
+  end
+
+  return result
 end
 
-local function deactivate(script, scriptname)
-  -- presently the lua api doesn't support unloading gui elements therefore
-  -- we just mark then inactive for the next time darktable starts
-
-  -- deactivate it....
-
-  dt.preferences.write("script_manager", script, "bool", false)
-  dt.print_log("setting " .. scriptname .. " to not start")
-  dt.print(scriptname .. " will not be active when darktable is restarted")
+local function clear_button(number)
+  local button = sm.widgets.buttons[number]
+  button.label = ""
+  button.sensitive = false
 end
 
-local function create_enable_disable_button(btext, sname, req)
-  local button =  dt.new_widget("button")
-  {
-    label = btext .. sname,
-    tooltip = get_script_doc(req),
-    clicked_callback = function (self)
-      -- split the label into action and target
-      local action, target = string.match(self.label, "(.+) (.+)")
-      -- load the script if it's not loaded
-      dt.print_log("Looking for target " .. target)
-      local scat = sm.category_selector.value
-      -- check, and fix, the filename for a - since it is a lua magic character in string match
-      dt.print_log("checking category " .. scat .. " for target " .. target)
-      local starget = du.join({scat, target}, "/")
-      dt.print_log("starget to activate is " .. starget)
-      dt.print_log("target to activate is " .. target)
-      if action == "Enable" then
-        local status = activate(starget, target)
-        if status then
-          self.label = "Disable " .. target
+local function find_script(category, name)
+  for _, script in ipairs(sm.scripts[category]) do
+    if string.match(script.name, "^" .. ds.sanitize_lua(name) .. "$") then
+      return script
+    end
+  end
+  return nil
+end
+
+local function populate_buttons(category, first, last)
+  log.msg(log.debug, "category is " .. category .. " and first is " .. first .. " and last is " .. last)
+  local button_num = 1
+  for i = first, last do
+    script = sm.scripts[category][i]
+    button = sm.widgets.buttons[button_num]
+    if script.running then
+      button.label = script.name .. " started"
+    else
+      button.label = script.name .. " stopped"
+    end
+    if CURR_API_STRING >= "6.0.1" then
+      button.ellipsize = "middle"
+    end
+    button.sensitive = true
+    button.tooltip = script.doc
+    button.clicked_callback = function (this)
+      local script_name, state = string.match(this.label, "(.-) (.+)")
+      local script = find_script(sm.widgets.category_selector.value, script_name)
+      if script then 
+        log.msg(log.debug, "found script " .. script.name .. " with path " .. script.path)
+        if string.match(state, "started") then
+          log.msg(log.debug, "deactivating " .. script.name .. " on " .. script.path .. " for button " .. this.label)
+          deactivate(script)
+          this.label = script.name .. " stopped"
+        else
+          log.msg(log.debug, "activating " .. script.name .. " on " .. script.path .. " for button " .. this.label)
+          local result = activate(script)
+          if result then
+            this.label = script.name .. " started"
+          end
         end
       else
-        deactivate(starget, target)
-        self.label = "Enable " .. target
+        log.msg(log.error, "script " .. script_name .. " not found")
       end
     end
-  }
-  if CURR_API_VERSION >= "6.0.1" then
-    button.ellipsize = "middle"
+    button_num = button_num + 1
   end
-  return button
-end
-
-local function load_script_stack()
-  -- load the scripts
-  table.sort(sm.script_categories)
-  for _,cat in ipairs(sm.script_categories) do
-    local tmp = {}
-    table.sort(sm.script_names[cat])
-    if not sm.script_widgets[cat] then
-      for _,sname in ipairs(sm.script_names[cat]) do
-        local req = du.join({cat, sname}, "/")
-        local btext = "Enable "
-        if dt.preferences.read("script_manager", req, "bool") then
-          local status, err = prequire(sm.script_paths[req])
-          if status then 
-            btext = "Disable "
-          else
-            dt.print_error("Error loading " .. sname)
-            dt.print_error("Error message: " .. err)
-          end
-        else
-          dt.preferences.write("script_manager", req, "bool", false)
-        end
-        tmp[#tmp + 1] = create_enable_disable_button(btext, sname, req)
-      end
-
-      sm.script_widgets[cat] = dt.new_widget("box")
-      {
-        orientation = "vertical",
-        table.unpack(tmp),
-      }
-    elseif #sm.script_widgets[cat] ~= #sm.script_names[cat] then
-      for index,sname in ipairs(sm.script_names[cat]) do
-        local req = du.join({cat, sname}, "/")
-        dt.print_error("script is " .. sname .. " and index is " .. index)
-        if sm.script_widgets[cat][index] then
-          sm.script_widgets[cat][index] = nil
-        end
-        sm.script_widgets[cat][index] = create_enable_disable_button("Enable ", sname, req)
-      end
+  if button_num <= sm.page_status.num_buttons then
+    for i = button_num, sm.page_status.num_buttons do
+      clear_button(i)
     end
   end
-  if not sm.script_stack then
-    sm.script_stack = dt.new_widget("stack"){}
-    for i,cat in ipairs(sm.script_categories) do
-      sm.script_stack[i] = sm.script_widgets[cat]
+end
+
+local function paginate(direction)
+  local category = sm.page_status.category
+  log.msg(log.debug, "category is " .. category)
+  local num_scripts = #sm.scripts[category]
+  log.msg(log.debug, "num_scripts is " .. num_scripts)
+  local max_pages = math.ceil(num_scripts / sm.page_status.num_buttons)
+  local cur_page = sm.page_status.current_page
+  log.msg(log.debug, "max pages is " .. max_pages)
+
+  local buttons_needed = nil
+  local first = nil
+  local last = nil
+
+  if direction == 0 then
+    cur_page = cur_page - 1
+    if cur_page < 1 then
+      cur_page = 1
     end
-    sm.script_stack.active = 1
-  end
-end
-
-local function update_stack_choices(combobox, choice_table)
-  sm.have_downloads = true
-  local items = #combobox
-  local choices = #choice_table
-  if #sm.script_widgets["downloads"] == 0 then
-    choices = choices - 1
-    sm.have_downloads = false
-  end
-  cnt = 1
-  for i, name in ipairs(choice_table) do 
-    if (name == "downloads" and sm.have_downloads) or name ~= "downloads" then
-      combobox[cnt] = name
-      cnt = cnt + 1
+  elseif direction == 1 then
+    cur_page = cur_page + 1
+    if cur_page > max_pages then
+      cur_page = max_pages
     end
-  end
-  if choices < items then
-    for j = items, choices + 1, -1 do
-      combobox[j] = nil
-    end
-  end
-  combobox.value = 1
-end
-
-local function build_scripts_block()
-  -- build the whole script block
-  scan_scripts()
-
-    -- set up the stack for the choices
-  load_script_stack()
-
-  if not sm.category_selector then
-    -- set up the combobox for the categories
-
-    sm.category_selector = dt.new_widget("combobox"){
-      label = "Category",
-      tooltip = "Select the script category",
-      value = 1, "placeholder",
-      changed_callback = function(self)
-        local cnt = 1
-        for i,cat in ipairs(sm.script_categories) do
-          if cat == self.value then
-            sm.script_stack.active = i
-          end
-        end
-      end
-    }
-  end
-
-  update_stack_choices(sm.category_selector, sm.script_categories)
-
-  if not sm.scripts then
-    sm.scripts = dt.new_widget("box"){
-      orientation = "vertical",
-      dt.new_widget("label"){ label = "Scripts" },
-      sm.category_selector,
-      sm.script_stack,
-    }
-  end
-end
-
-local function insert_scripts_block()
-  table.insert(sm.main_menu_choices, "Enable/Disable Scripts")
-  update_combobox_choices(sm.main_menu, sm.main_menu_choices, 1)
-  sm.main_stack[#sm.main_stack + 1] = sm.scripts
-end
-
-local function use_lua_scripts_version()
-  if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" then
-    -- copy tools\script_manger.lua to luarc
-    df.file_copy(LUA_DIR .. PS .. "tools\\script_manager.lua", dt.configuration.config_dir .. PS .. "luarc")
   else
-    -- create a symbolic link from luarc to  tools/script_manager.lua
-    if df.check_if_file_exists(dt.configuration.config_dir .. "/luarc") then
-      os.remove(dt.configuration.config_dir .. "/luarc")
-    end
-    os.execute("ln -s " .. LUA_DIR .. "/tools/script_manager.lua " .. dt.configuration.config_dir .. "/luarc")
+    log.msg(log.debug, "took path 2")
+    cur_page = 1
   end
+  log.msg(log.debug, "cur_page is " .. cur_page .. " and max_pages is " .. max_pages)
+  if cur_page == max_pages and cur_page == 1 then
+    sm.widgets.page_forward.sensitive = false
+    sm.widgets.page_back.sensitive = false
+  elseif cur_page == max_pages then
+    sm.widgets.page_forward.sensitive = false
+    sm.widgets.page_back.sensitive = true
+  elseif cur_page == 1 then
+    sm.widgets.page_forward.sensitive = true
+    sm.widgets.page_back.sensitive = false
+  else
+    sm.widgets.page_forward.sensitive = true
+    sm.widgets.page_back.sensitive = true
+  end
+
+  sm.page_status.current_page = cur_page
+  first = (cur_page * sm.page_status.num_buttons) - (sm.page_status.num_buttons - 1)
+  if first + sm.page_status.num_buttons > num_scripts then
+    last = num_scripts
+  else
+    last = first + sm.page_status.num_buttons - 1
+  end
+  sm.widgets.page_status.label = _("Page ") .. cur_page .. _(" of ") .. max_pages
+
+  populate_buttons(category, first, last)
 end
 
-local function link_downloads_directory()
-  if not df.check_if_file_exists("$HOME/Downloads") then
-    os.execute("mkdir $HOME/Downloads")
+local function change_category(category)
+  if not category then
+    log.msg(log.debug "setting category to selector value " ..  sm.widgets.category_selector.value)
+    sm.page_status.category = sm.widgets.category_selector.value
+  else
+    log.msg(log.debug, "setting catgory to argument " .. category)
+    sm.page_status.category = category
   end
-  if df.check_if_file_exists(LUA_DIR .. "/downloads") then
-    os.remove(LUA_DIR .. "/downloads")
+
+  paginate(2)
+end
+
+local function change_num_buttons()
+  cur_buttons = sm.page_status.num_buttons
+  new_buttons = sm.widgets.num_buttons.value
+  pref_write("num_buttons", "integer", new_buttons)
+  if new_buttons < cur_buttons then
+    for i = 1, cur_buttons - new_buttons do
+      table.remove(sm.widgets.scripts)
+    end
+    log.msg(log.debug, "finished removing widgets, now there are " .. #sm.widgets.buttons)
+  elseif new_buttons > cur_buttons then
+    if new_buttons > sm.page_status.buttons_created then
+      for i = sm.page_status.buttons_created + 1, new_buttons do
+        table.insert(sm.widgets.buttons, dt.new_widget("button"){})
+        sm.page_status.buttons_created = sm.page_status.buttons_created + 1
+      end
+    end
+    log.msg(log.debug, "cur_buttons is " .. cur_buttons .. " and new_buttons is " .. new_buttons)
+    log.msg(log.debug, #sm.widgets.buttons .. " buttons are available")
+    for i = cur_buttons + 1, new_buttons do
+      log.msg(log.debug, "inserting button " .. i .. " into scripts widget")
+      table.insert(sm.widgets.scripts, sm.widgets.buttons[i])
+    end
+    log.msg(log.debug, "finished adding widgets, now there are " .. #sm.widgets.buttons)
+  else -- no change
+    log.msg(log.debug, "no change, just returning")
+    return
   end
-  os.execute("ln -s " .. "$HOME/Downloads " .. LUA_DIR .. "/downloads")
+  sm.page_status.num_buttons = new_buttons
+  log.msg(log.debug, "num_buttons set to " .. sm.page_status.num_buttons)
+  paginate(2) -- force the buttons to repopulate
+  sm.widgets.main_menu.selected = 3 -- jump back to start/stop scripts
+end
+
+local function load_preferences()
+  -- load the prefs and update settings
+  -- update_script_choices
+  local pref_string = pref_read("installed_repos", "string")
+  local entries = du.split(pref_string, ",")
+  while  #entries > 2 do
+    local num = table.remove(entries, 1)
+    local name = table.remove(entries, 1)
+    local directory = table.remove(entries, 1)
+    if not string.match(sm.installed_repositories[1].name, "^" .. ds.sanitize_lua(name) .. "$") then
+      table.insert(sm.installed_repositories, {name = name, directory = directory})
+    end
+  end
+  update_script_update_choices()
+  log.msg(log.debug, "updated installed scripts")
+  -- category selector
+  local val = pref_read("category_selector", "integer")
+  if val == 0 then
+    val = 1
+  end
+  sm.widgets.category_selector.selected = val
+  sm.page_status.category = sm.widgets.category_selector.value
+  log.msg(log.debug, "updated category selector and set it to " .. sm.widgets.category_selector.value)
+  -- num_buttons
+  local val = pref_read("num_buttons", "integer")
+  if val == 0 then
+    val = DEFAULT_BUTTONS_PER_PAGE
+  end
+  sm.widgets.num_buttons.value = val
+  log.msg(log.debug, "set page buttons to " .. val)
+  change_num_buttons()
+  log.msg(log.debug, "paginated")
+  -- main menu
+  local val = pref_read("main_menu_action", "integer")
+  log.msg(log.debug, "read " .. val .. " for main menu")
+  if val == 0 then
+    val = 3
+  end
+  sm.widgets.main_menu.selected = val
+  log.msg(log.debug, "set main menu to val " .. val .. " which is " .. sm.widgets.main_menu.value)
+
+  log.msg(log.debug, "set main menu to " .. sm.widgets.main_menu.value)
 end
 
 local function install_module()
@@ -462,312 +643,232 @@ local function install_module()
       "script manager",     -- Visible name
       true,                -- expandable
       false,               -- resetable
-      {[dt.gui.views.lighttable] = {"DT_UI_CONTAINER_PANEL_LEFT_CENTER", 0}},   -- containers
-      dt.new_widget("box") -- widget
-      {
-        orientation = "vertical",
-        sm.main_box,
-      },
+      {[dt.gui.views.lighttable] = {"DT_UI_CONTAINER_PANEL_LEFT_BOTTOM", 600}},   -- containers
+      sm.widgets.main_box,
       nil,-- view_enter
       nil -- view_leave
     )
     sm.module_installed = true
   end
+  sm.run = true
+  log.msg(log.debug, "set run to true, loading preferences")
+  load_preferences()
+  scan_repositories()
 end
 
 -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
 -- M A I N  P R O G R A M
 -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
+scan_scripts(LUA_DIR)
+log.msg(log.debug, "finished processing scripts")
 
--- api check
+-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
+-- U S E R  I N T E R F A C E
+-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
 
-du.check_min_api_version("5.0.0")
+sm.widgets = {}
 
--- set up tables to contain all the widgets and choices
+-- update the scripts
 
-sm.script_widgets = {}
-sm.script_categories = {}
-sm.script_names = {}
-sm.script_paths = {}
-sm.main_menu_choices = {}
-sm.main_stack_items = {}
-sm.event_registered = false
-sm.module_installed = false
-
--- see if we've run this before
-
-sm.initialized = dt.preferences.read("script_manager", "initialized", "bool")
-
-if not sm.initialized then
-  -- write out preferences
-  dt.preferences.write("script_manager", "lua_repository", "string", LUA_SCRIPT_REPO)
-  dt.preferences.write("script_manager", "use_distro_version", "bool", false)
-  dt.preferences.write("script_manager", "link_downloads_directory", "bool", false)
-  dt.preferences.write("script_manager", "initialized", "bool", true)
-end
-
-sm.have_scripts = df.check_if_file_exists(LUA_DIR)
-
-sm.git_managed = df.check_if_file_exists(LUA_DIR .. PS .. ".git")
-
-if sm.have_scripts then
-  dt.print_log("found lua scripts directory")
-else
-  dt.print_log("lua scripts directory not found")
-end
-
-if sm.git_managed then
-  dt.print_log("scripts managed by git")
-else
-  dt.print_log("scripts not managed")
-end
-
-local git = df.check_if_bin_exists("git")
-
-if git then
-  dt.print_log("git found at " .. git)
-  sm.need_git = false
-else
-  dt.print_log("git not found")
-  sm.need_git = true
-end
-
-sm.repository = dt.new_widget("entry")
-{
-  text = dt.preferences.read("script_manager", "lua_repository", "string"),
-  editable = true,
+sm.widgets.update_script_choices = dt.new_widget("combobox"){
+  label = _("scripts to update"),
+  tooltip = _("select the scripts installation to update"),
+  selected = 1,
+  changed_callback = function(this)
+    pref_write("update_script_choices", "integer", this.selected)
+  end,
+  "placeholder",
 }
 
-sm.need_install = false
-
-local install_update_text = _("install")
-if sm.have_scripts and sm.git_managed then
-  install_update_text = _("update")
-else
-  sm.need_install = true
-end
-
-sm.install_update_button = dt.new_widget("button"){
-  label = install_update_text .. _(" scripts"),
-  clicked_callback = function(self)
-    sm.lua_repository = sm.repository.text
-    dt.preferences.write("script_manager", "lua_repository", "string", sm.repository.text)
-    if sm.need_install then
-      local result = install_scripts()
-      if result then
-        build_scripts_block()
-        insert_scripts_block()
-        sm.have_scripts = true
-        sm.git_managed = true
-        sm.need_install = false
-        self.label = _("update scripts")
-        dt.print(_("installed scripts from " .. sm.repository.text))
-      else
-        dt.print(_("Error installing scripts from " .. sm.repository.text))
-      end
-    else
-      local result = update_scripts()
-      if result then
-        --build_scripts_block()
-        dt.print(_("updated scripts from " .. sm.repository.text))
-      else
-        dt.print(_("Error updating scripts from " .. sm.repository.text))
-      end
-    end
+sm.widgets.update = dt.new_widget("button"){
+  label = _("update scripts"),
+  tooltip = _("update the lua scripts from the repository"),
+  clicked_callback = function(this)
+    update_scripts()
   end
 }
 
-if not sm.need_install then
-  sm.reinstall_button = dt.new_widget("button"){
-    label = "reinstall scripts",
-    clicked_callback = function(self)
-      sm.lua_repository = sm.repository.text
-      dt.preferences.write("script_manager", "lua_repository", "string", sm.repository.text)
-      local result = install_scripts()
-      if result then
-        build_scripts_block()
-        insert_scripts_block()
-        sm.have_scripts = true
-        sm.git_managed = true
-        sm.need_install = false
-        sm.install_update_button.label = "update scripts"
-        dt.print(_("reinstalled scripts from " .. sm.repository.text))
-        dt.print_log(_("scripts reinstalled"))
-      else
-        dt.print(_("ERROR: script reinstallation failed"))
-        dt.print_error(_("script reinstall failed"))
-      end
+-- add additional scripts
+
+sm.widgets.script_url = dt.new_widget("entry"){
+  text = "",
+  placeholder = "https://<repository url>",
+  tooltip = _("enter the URL of the git repository containing the scripts you wish to add")
+}
+
+sm.widgets.new_category = dt.new_widget("entry"){
+  text = "",
+  placeholder = _("name of new category"),
+  tooltip = _("enter a category name for the additional scripts")
+}
+
+sm.widgets.add_scripts = dt.new_widget("box"){
+  orientation = vertical,
+  dt.new_widget("label"){label = _("URL to download additional scripts from")},
+  sm.widgets.script_url,
+  dt.new_widget("label"){label = _("new category to place scripts in")},
+  sm.widgets.new_category,
+  dt.new_widget("button"){
+    label = _("install additional scripts"),
+    clicked_callback = function(this)
+      install_scripts()
     end
   }
-
-  sm.install_update_widgets = {
-    sm.install_update_button,
-    sm.reinstall_button,
-  }
-else
-  sm.install_update_widgets = {
-    sm.install_update_button,
-  }
-end
-
-sm.install_update_box = dt.new_widget("box"){
-  orientation = "vertical",
-  dt.new_widget("label"){ label = "Install/Update scripts" },
-  table.unpack(sm.install_update_widgets),
 }
 
-table.insert(sm.main_menu_choices, "Install/Update Scripts")
-table.insert(sm.main_stack_items, sm.install_update_box)
-
--- configuration items
-
-sm.repository_update = dt.new_widget("button"){
-  label = "update",
-  clicked_callback = function()
-    dt.preferences.write("script_manager", "lua_repository", "string", sm.repository.text)
-    sm.install_update_button.label = "install"
-    sm.install_update_button.sensitive = true
-    sm.reinstall_button.sensitive = false
-    sm.need_install = true
-  end
-}
-
-sm.repository_reset = dt.new_widget("button"){
-  label = "reset",
-  clicked_callback = function()
-    sm.repository.text = LUA_SCRIPT_REPO
-    dt.preferences.write("script_manager", "lua_repository", "string", LUA_SCRIPT_REPO)
-    sm.install_update_button.label = "install"
-    sm.install_update_button.sensitive = true
-    sm.reinstall_button.sensitive = false
-    sm.need_install = true
-  end
-}
-
-sm.update_reset = dt.new_widget("box"){
-  orientation = "horizontal",
-  sm.repository_update,
-  sm.repository_reset,
-}
-
--- replace standalone version of script_manager with distributed version, i.e. tools/script_manager.lua
-  -- link on linux/MacOS, copy on windows
-  -- this option won't be active until the repository version of this script is accepted
-
-sm.use_lua_scripts_version = dt.new_widget("check_button"){
-  label = "Use lua scripts distributed version",
-  tooltip = "Use the standalone version (false) or the distributed version (true)",
-  value = dt.preferences.read("script_manager", "use_distro_version", "bool"),
-  clicked_callback = function(self)
-    if dt.preferences.read("script_manager", "use_distro_version", "bool") == self.value then
-      -- do nothing
-    else
-      sm.apply_configuration.sensitive = true
+sm.widgets.allow_disable = dt.new_widget("check_button"){
+  label = _('Enable "Dsiable Scripts" button'),
+  value = false,
+  clicked_callback = function(this)
+    if this.value == true then
+      sm.widgets.disable_scripts.sensitive = true
     end
-  end
+  end,
 }
 
--- link downloads to $HOME/downloads on linux and MacOS
-
-sm.link_downloads_directory = dt.new_widget("check_button"){
-  label = "Link lua/downloads to $HOME/Downloads",
-  tooltip = "Linking the directories enables dropping a script in $HOME/downloads\nand having it recognized the next time darktable starts",
-  value = dt.preferences.read("script_manager", "link_downloads_directory", "bool"),
-  clicked_callback = function(self)
-    if dt.preferences.read("script_manager", "link_downloads_directory", "bool") == self.value then
-      -- do nothing
-    else
-      sm.apply_configuration.sensitive = true
-    end
-  end
-}
-
-sm.apply_configuration = dt.new_widget("button"){
-  label = "Apply",
+sm.widgets.disable_scripts = dt.new_widget("button"){
+  label = _("Disable Scripts"),
   sensitive = false,
-  clicked_callback = function(self)
-    dt.preferences.write("script_manager", "use_distro_version", "bool", sm.use_lua_scripts_version.value)
-    if sm.use_lua_scripts_version.value then
-      use_lua_scripts_version()
-    end
-    if dt.configuration.running_os ~= "windows" then
-      dt.preferences.write("script_manager", "link_downloads_directory", "bool", sm.link_downloads_directory.value)
-      if sm.link_downloads_directory.value then
-        link_downloads_directory()
-      end
-    end
+  clicked_callback = function(this)
+    local LUARC = dt.configuration.config_dir .. PS .. "luarc"
+    df.file_move(LUARC, LUARC .. ".disabled")
+    log.msg(log.info, "lua scripts disabled")
+    dt.print(_("lua scripts will not run the next time darktable is started"))
   end
 }
 
--- get git location on windows
-
-sm.git_location = df.executable_path_widget({"git"})
-
-sm.configuration_widgets = {
-  sm.repository,
-  sm.update_reset,
-  dt.new_widget("separator"){},
-  dt.new_widget("separator"){},
-}
-
-if dt.configuration.running_os == "windows" or sm.need_git then
-  sm.configuration_widgets[#sm.configuration_widgets + 1] = sm.git_location
-end
-
-if dt.configuration.running_os ~= "windows" then
-  sm.configuration_widgets[#sm.configuration_widgets + 1] = sm.use_lua_scripts_version
-  sm.configuration_widgets[#sm.configuration_widgets + 1] = sm.link_downloads_directory
-end
-sm.configuration_widgets[#sm.configuration_widgets + 1] = sm.apply_configuration
-
-sm.config_box = dt.new_widget("box"){
+sm.widgets.install_update = dt.new_widget("box"){
   orientation = "vertical",
-  dt.new_widget("label") { label = "Configuration" },
-  table.unpack(sm.configuration_widgets),
+  dt.new_widget("section_label"){label = _("update scripts")},
+  sm.widgets.update_script_choices,
+  sm.widgets.update,
+  dt.new_widget("section_label"){label = _("add more scripts")},
+  sm.widgets.add_scripts,
+  dt.new_widget("section_label"){label = _("disable scripts")},
+  sm.widgets.allow_disable,
+  sm.widgets.disable_scripts
 }
 
+-- manage the scripts
 
-table.insert(sm.main_menu_choices, "Configure")
-table.insert(sm.main_stack_items, sm.config_box)
-
--- set up the outside stack for config, install/update, and download
-
-  -- make a stack for the choices
-
-sm.main_stack = dt.new_widget("stack"){
-  table.unpack(sm.main_stack_items),
-}
-
-if CURR_API_VERSION >= "6.0.1" then
-  sm.main_stack.h_size_fixed = false
-  sm.main_stack.v_size_fixed = false
-end
-
-
-  -- make a combobox for the selector
-
-sm.main_menu = dt.new_widget("combobox"){
-  label = "Action",
-  tooltip = "Select the action you want to perform",
-  value = 1, "No actions available",
+sm.widgets.category_selector = dt.new_widget("combobox"){
+  label = _("category"),
+  tooltip = _( "select the script category"),
+  selected = 1,
   changed_callback = function(self)
-    for pos,str in ipairs(sm.main_menu_choices) do
-      if self.value == str then
-        sm.main_stack.active = pos
-        dt.preferences.write("script_manager", "sm_main_menu_value", "integer", pos)
-      end
+    if sm.run then
+      pref_write("category_selector", "integer", self.selected)
+      change_category(self.value)
+    end
+  end,
+  table.unpack(sm.categories),
+}
+
+sm.widgets.buttons ={}
+for i =1, DEFAULT_BUTTONS_PER_PAGE do 
+  table.insert(sm.widgets.buttons, dt.new_widget("button"){})
+  sm.page_status.buttons_create = sm.page_status.buttons_created + 1
+end
+
+local page_back = "<"
+local page_forward = ">"
+if CURR_API_STRING < "6.1.0" then
+  page_back = "     <     "
+  page_forward = "     >     "
+end
+
+sm.widgets.page_status = dt.new_widget("label"){label = _("Page:")}
+sm.widgets.page_back = dt.new_widget("button"){
+  label = page_back,
+  clicked_callback = function(this)
+    if sm.run then 
+      paginate(0)
     end
   end
 }
 
-if #sm.main_menu_choices > 0 then
-  update_combobox_choices(sm.main_menu, sm.main_menu_choices, 1)
+sm.widgets.page_forward = dt.new_widget("button"){
+  label = page_forward,
+  clicked_callback = function(this)
+    if sm.run then
+      paginate(1)
+    end
+  end
+}
+
+sm.widgets.page_control = dt.new_widget("box"){
+  orientation = "horizontal",
+  sm.widgets.page_back,
+  sm.widgets.page_status,
+  sm.widgets.page_forward,
+}
+
+sm.widgets.scripts = dt.new_widget("box"){
+  orientation = vertical,
+  dt.new_widget("label"){label = _("Scripts")},
+  sm.widgets.category_selector,
+  sm.widgets.page_control,
+  table.unpack(sm.widgets.buttons)
+}
+
+-- configure options
+
+sm.widgets.num_buttons = dt.new_widget("slider"){
+  label = _("scripts per page"),
+  tooltip = _("select number of start/stop buttons to display"),
+  soft_min = MIN_BUTTONS_PER_PAGE,
+  hard_min = MIN_BUTTONS_PER_PAGE,
+  soft_max = MAX_BUTTONS_PER_PAGE,
+  hard_max = MAX_BUTTONS_PER_PAGE,
+  step = 1,
+  digits = 0,
+  value = 10
+}
+
+sm.widgets.change_buttons = dt.new_widget("button"){
+  label = _("change number of buttons"),
+  clicked_callback = function(this)
+    change_num_buttons()
+  end
+}
+
+sm.widgets.configure = dt.new_widget("box"){
+  orientation = "vertical",
+  dt.new_widget("label"){label = _("Configuration")},
+  sm.widgets.num_buttons,
+  sm.widgets.change_buttons,
+}
+
+-- stack for the options
+
+sm.widgets.main_stack = dt.new_widget("stack"){
+  sm.widgets.install_update,
+  sm.widgets.configure,
+  sm.widgets.scripts,
+}
+
+if CURR_API_STRING >= "6.0.1" then
+  sm.widgets.main_stack.h_size_fixed = false
+  sm.widgets.main_stack.v_size_fixed = false
 end
 
-sm.main_box = dt.new_widget("box"){
-  orientation = "vertical",
-  sm.main_menu,
-  sm.main_stack,
+-- main menu
+
+sm.widgets.main_menu = dt.new_widget("combobox"){
+  label = _("action"),
+  changed_callback = function(self)
+    sm.widgets.main_stack.active = self.selected
+    pref_write("main_menu_action", "integer", self.selected)
+    log.msg(log.debug, "saved " .. self.selected .. " for main menu")
+  end,
+   _("install/update scripts"), _("configure"), _("start/stop scripts")
+}
+
+-- widget for module 
+
+sm.widgets.main_box = dt.new_widget("box"){
+  sm.widgets.main_menu,
+  sm.widgets.main_stack
 }
 
 
@@ -791,18 +892,3 @@ else
   end
 end
 
--- set up the scripts block if we have them otherwise we'll wait until we download them
-
-if sm.have_scripts then
-
-  -- scan for scripts and populate the categories
-  build_scripts_block()
-
-  -- add the widgets to the lib
-  insert_scripts_block()
-
-  sm.main_menu.selected = 3
-
-end
-
-collectgarbage("restart")