Replacing ceiling rose with a halogen strip (problem)

I take it when you switch your meter on and set it to 20 Ohms the reading says 1? Which should indicate an open circuit - and then did you connect the two probe ends together to get the resistance in the probes and wiring?

Did you seperate out the earths at the ceiling as well? or did you test against the earth as a group?

Ah!! It was indeed the other black all working great now!!

Thanks again for your help chaps, don't know what I would have done without all your advice...