Can't get preloader for external swf to work

[dbeas]

I have a main .swf that's preloaded using the following:

onClipEvent (enterFrame) {
framesLoaded = (Math.ceil (( _parent.getBytesLoaded() / _parent.getBytesTotal()) * 100));
gotoAndStop (framesLoaded);
info.text = framesLoaded + "% completed";
if (framesLoaded >= 100) {
_root.gotoAndPlay (2);
}
}

I have an external swf loaded using:

_root.createEmptyMovieClip("container", 1);
loadMovie("externalmovie.swf", "container");
setProperty ("container", _alpha, "45");
container._x = 64 ;
container._y = 135 ;

Now, the problem!

I'm trying to preload the external swf in the same way I preloaded the main swf without it conflicting. Thanks to anyone who can help.....this has been driving me crazy! I've checked out a lot of tutorials, but none of them cover the way I'm trying to do this where the external swf preloads just like the main swf with no button event etc.....it just preloads when called. This seems like it should be so simple, but I have 3 hours gone that say othwerwise!

[oldnewbie]

What's the rest of your setup?

Using the same code and preloader clip to preload this external movie?
If so, on what frame is it in the root movie?
Want the main movie playing while this external movie loads or should it wait for this external movie to fully load before doing so?

Only 3 hours?

[dbeas]

The main swf fully preloads and when the first frame of the main swf starts playing I'd like the external swf to start preloading, and actually I almost have it above. The main swf preloads, and the external swf loads into the main swf with no problem (but there is no preload). I'd like to use as close to the same code to preload the external as possible. I'd also rather not have any code in the main movie preloading the external movies, other than what I already have above to get it started. I'm hoping to use exactly what I have above to "call" the external swf, but have a "stand alone" preloader in the external swf. Thanks!

[oldnewbie]

So are you saying you're using the exact same preloader code and clip (including your reference to _root) in the "to be loaded" movie itself?

[dbeas]

Yes,
Except for references to root made everything out of wack of course (conflicting with the main swf). I understand why that wouldn't work.....I just don't know how to change that code so that it won't conflict. Thanks......