>Jim
>
>As far as I can remember this has been the case. It's very frustrating. I find I need to close the project before I can succeed with this command.
>
>Terry
>

on project manager
- select database
- press "Close" button

>
>>It do the following in the Command Window:

OPEN DATABASE mainDBC EXCLUSIVE

and no error is reported.
>>- This even thoughI can see mainDBC in the databases dropdown in the VFP toolbar.
>>
>>The I do:

VALIDATE DATABASE

in the command window.
>>The resultant output states:
>>"Need EXCLUSIVE writeable access to rebuild structural index."
>>
>>Why doesn't the EXCLUSIVE clause on the OPEN DATABASE command give an error?
>>
>>cheers