I realized after the post that I did read something in the instructions about how to "update firmware" I think I was going back in forth in my mind from working on getting the SD card bootable version to get the firmware dump loaded in my s95 and loading CHDK on the a3300.
I tried loading the s95 with the 100e version, no go, but was easy enough to try. back to the grind again for getting that disc ready to do the firmware dump. will try with a fresh mind in the am... closing all the windows and tabs I have open.
will keep you posted.