When I do a /list, mIRC pops up the channels list, but channels that start #: for example: #:foo and #:::bar are not displayed in the list.

When enabling the debug window, I can clearly see in the channel list sent from the IRCD (numeric 322) the channels are sent out - thus leading me to belive its an mIRC issue.

I cannot reproduce this, are you sure the "Channels list" options are set correctly (4th icon from left)? The channel will not appear if "Hide non-text channels" is checked, or if the minimum users count is not met.

Hope this helps

Indeed, sorry, I've never used the channels display dialog. I've always used the /list command directly. [Min users was set to 0 and max to 99999 btw]

Regarding the check-box hidden away at the bottom that appears to be the cause of this -> Perhaps this should be unchecked by default?