>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.

The main thing you found the cause of the problem. Congrats!