Basic, simple dumb quesion $PATH

howdy, I got afterstep to load, but it won't run a few set up commands and I figure I just need to add to my PATH variable. But everything I've tried doesn't work. I edited /etc/X11/xim, I added .bash_profile, and edited .profile but nothing changes. Where does SuSE set the PATH variable, and how can I add to it before the window manager runs? I also checked in the User Guide and Admin Guide, but it doesn't say. I've started beating on 2.6.3, but all I get is a black screen so far.... Talk about flying blind! Any hints appreciated on that too. Patience, persistence, truth, Dr. mike