automation problems. the first pass doesn't stick

[londonsoundbloke]

hi im using pro tools 7 on an M box with a power Mac dual 2GHz G5 with 2GB ram
when i go to start automation for a session it wont keep the first pass.
i used to start a session (in pro tools 6) by getting my main settings, level, eq, reverbs etc set, then putting my channels into write mode.
after i had written first pass it would set that to the end and i could jump in with write mode or touch mode and it would revert after to my original settings. Even if i leave it running the whole session in write mode when i play back if i move any thing it will stay where i move it to.
the only way i can make it keep those original settings and revert is to write in touch mode and move every single element (ie all different volumes on eq and panning etc etc) whilst in touch mode so that it can reset its self.
I also recently bought a m audio transit which has a pro tools m powered 7 demo i installed this and found the automation to be doing the same.
does anyone understand what i just said and can they offer me some sort of suggestions, as to make a first pass like this is very time consuming and a right pain.
I am surely not the only person who has found this!!
cheers londonsoundbloke

also is there a way to do things globally in pro tools that i have completely missed i.e. record enable all tracks, or change size of all tracks in one go, or add automation to all eqs on all tracks etc etc.