>>>What is your exact command and did you try to output the gcClaimFIle variable?
>>
>>Append from (gcClaimFile) type xl5 sheet "loss_run"
>>
>>'gcClaimFile' contains the path and file name returned from GetFile().
>>
>>I also tried xl8 with exactly the same result - works for me, not for him, but works for him if he types the line (with the actual file name) into his external command line program ('x-ray').
>
>Is gcClaimFile exactly the same for both? E.g. the same drive letter?
>
>Also just in case you may add m. in front of it to eliminate probable field name.

It is exactly the same. However, about 5 minutes ago I figured it out. I'd explain the problem, but it's too embarassing.

Well, ok, if you insist. I had inadvertantly built an excel file with the same name into my exe. Didn't realise I'd done that until I decided to try it in vfp8. I copied all the files into a new directory and figured I should make sure everything was ok. It was then I discovered the xl file in my 'other files'. Regardless that we were both pointing to the same file, I guess it was looking first inside the exe. Once I removed the file from the exe, it worked properly - big surprise, huh?

Boy do I feel dumb.