SW 2009 sp 5.1 ~ 32 Bit

I keep encountering this issue.

When i begin a new assembly from a part, the part is fixed in the Assembly.

Perhaps I am mis-remembering things, but it seems like at one point in time or another (xxx releases ago....??), when performing this function, the planes of the Part would be aligned with the planes of the Assembly.

Is there a setting option to control this, as currently, it doesn't happen for me. I am required to "unfix" the part and then create three mates.

If this functionallity is lost, does anyone know what the logic (sic) behind changing it was?

Thank you in advance for your input...

regards,

Alan