>>

>>Local llMyTableOpened
>>
>>>llMyTableOpen=.F.
>>>Try
>>>	Use mytable Alias UsedJustToCheck  in 0 shared
>>>Catch
>>>	*---myalias is open now one way or another...
>>>	*---flag this so it doesn't get closed at end of routine
>>>	llMyTableOpen=.T.
>>>Finally
>>   use in select('UsedJustToCheck')

>
>I think what John was saying makes sense. It looks like my problem could be solved much simpler. I just need to open/use the table under some alias with the word AGAIN. And then close this temporary alias. This way, if the table is opened prior to this procedure it stays open; if it was not opened, it will be closed after. Do you see what I mean?

Yes, I think I see. Sure, we can open a table under a new alias with AGAIN clause (as long as it was not already opened exclusive before) and this way we don't have to worry if it was already opened or not since for our purpose we would be using a temp alias.