--- SNIP ---
>>ie
>>use disp
>>select *** fron disp to table curcost
>>total on emp to rpt15
>>report form ....
>>
>>** then eitehr
>>CLOSE DATA
>>**or
>>SELECT curcost
>>use
>>select rpt15
>>use
>>** BOOM - 'Error File not open.'
>>
>>HELP!!! PLEASE
>
>This construction should be safer:
>if used('rpt15')
> select rpt15
> use
>endif


That is how my code is actually writen. I was just give psuedo type code. The USED('rpt15') returns true. I can select the work area. When I issue the USE to close that table or CLOSE DATABASE to close all tables, the table(s) is/are closed and then the error is thrown.