>Using vfp6.0
>
>I have a program that creates a .dbf file (fox2 format) to be used by MS Word for mail merge. Everytime a user creates labels, it also issues a 'copy to myMrgFile type fox2'. My .exe file never opens the file. But --- heres a scenerio I am expecting:
>
>1) User has my .exe and MS Word open.
>2) User is in the middle of a mail merge and notices names are missing.
>3) User switches to my vfp .exe and pulls another query.
>4) Vfp .exe file attempts to 'copy to myMrgFile type fox2' but since Word has it open - it fails.
>
>I am dealing with very elderly people, most of which do not know how to use mail merges. I don't want to use a putfile().
>
>Question:
>How can I find out if myMrgFile.dbf is open by another program (not necessarily Word)?
>
>Robert

If you put error trap on USE ... EXCL command, you will catch that file is in use.