If the closet switch controls all the others, sounds like someone wired the
hot feed from the switched end of the closet switch instead of the other
end. You should be able to create a logical flow chart of 'what if', and
figure from there. A multimeter, or a simple voltage detector will help you
understand what's going on. If you're not confident in your abilities, get
an electrician.
"Mike" wrote in message
...
Hi, and thanks for stopping by,

Let's see if I can define the problem so that it makes sense to both of
usS

My house, built around 1940, has a split entry entrance. Go 8 steps up
to the upper floor, or, 8 steps down to the lower floor.

The entry landing has one grouping of 4 light switches.
1 to turn on/off the coat closets' light a few feet away.
1 to turn on/off the porch light a few feet away.
1 to turn on/off the entryways' inside light.
1 to turn on/off the light at the bottom of the lower floors'
stairs.

At the top of the stairway there is a group of 2 light switches:
1 to turn on/off the entryways' light
(1 to turn on/off the upper floors' hallways' light.)

At the bottom of the stairway there is a group of 2 light switches.
1 to turn on/off the light at the bottom of the lower floors'
stairs.
(1 to turn on/off the lower floor hallway light.)

Betcha you can guess what the approaching question is. :-)

How in the world do I get them to all work as they should all at the
same time? (For example, the lower floor landing light turns on/off
only if the coat closet light (which doesn't work btw, is set to
off...)

Any and all helpful advice will be cherished. Thank you.

Mike