It would appear that every save overwrites the previous one unless you start over in a new game which makes learning sense however, it would be good to have another go at some situations is it possible to increase the number of saves I searched the ini files but, couldn't figure out if it could be done by changing them.

To be honest, I don't know if there's an easier option, but you can always Alt-Tab out of the game and make a backup copy of your save files. You could even write a little batch file which automates the job and place it on the desktop or taskbar for easy access.

I don't think that it is possible to increase the number of save files to >9. Even in WB and WFaS. The only way to do that is manual extraction of each save file you want, and then re-writing it. Though, I'll take a look at it.

EDIT: No. There is no way to do that directly. In none of the games.

I usually keep a running save and then save a backup in a new slot before doing something stupid, like deciding to help a claimant, starting my own kingdom or something. Usually two or 3 saves are well enough. It's not like I'm going to go back to a 15hrs old save anyway. Better just start over at that point.

It's a shame there are not a few extra save options, I just caused a whole village to be wiped out through a bad decision and I would like another chance but, I can't have it both ways, a game based on realism plus the option to always be right.
I'm playing 1257 Middle Europe at present and prefer to the original M&B.

Thanks Arkose you would have answered my query if hadn't just returned to this posting to say that I had found this out whilst messing around with the game set up options.

It's such a long time since I originally played the game that it might as well be brand new to me, I want the more realistic play options but, not just yet I think I need to get back into basic playing first.

Thank you to all of you who replied to my original question.

I love the 'realistic' save setting - especially that you can't even quit the game without saving thereby effectively removing the possibility of having a second go at something (unless you cheat by closing the programme). I would love for more games to implement this approach to saving as an optional setting.
It forces you to deal with the consequences of your actions in a unique way. I don't remember playing any other games featuring this particular variation.

At the time of writing I had no idea that for main characters death is but a flesh wound. Now I find myself longing for higher risk-taking and greater consequences although I appreciate that the current approach encourages the player to simply have fun.

You might as well mark Arkose's post as the solution anyway, just so the thread can be labeled "SOLVED". =)

Well, ironman + long game + permadeath thend to not mix well. If you loose dozens of hours of gameplay if you go down, it's a very heavy inducement to savescum, or at least never take risks. And there ARE consequances to a lost battle : Disgrunted followers, losing experienced soldiers, losing the respect of a NPC, sometimes loosing lands or a castle (which are difficult to get) if you are a lord, or a vassal if you are a king. And there is the risk of getting captured, which is a pretty heavy setback : You have to get out of jail, then find your lost companions, and more or less restart your warband from scratch (but with an experienced characters with contacts, rather than your lvl1 stranger)
I would really like this game less (or at least, never play in ironman) if losing would screw my character over permanently.

I wouldn't Ironman a game unless I knew it was rock solid as far as stability and lack of bugs go. Never had that with a Taleworlds game (as fun as they might be), so I'd never Ironman them. All you need is one corrupt save or a broken quest arc saved and it's screwed royally.

You can still try to avoid save scumming, etc. and roll with the good and bad to enjoy it more while having back up saves. Just don't cheat so much!