i tried this solution actually before i posted my question and it did not work - i see now it was a typo that gummed up the works. thanks Mike, this works fine.

k
>>i would like to access a 'sample.jpg' file through a menu tab selection such that the image appears outside the VFP window
>>
>>i know i can view the image if i set it up within an html file thus (below) - however is there a way to display the image without going through intermediate html file - sample code would be appreciated.
>>

>>oIE = CreateObject ("internetexplorer.application")
>>oIE.NAVIGATE ("c:/sample.html")
>>oIE.VISIBLE = .T.
>>

>>
>>thanks K
>
>This works for me.
>
>

oIE = CreateObject ("internetexplorer.application")
>oie.Navigate("c:\DSCN0016.JPG")
>oie.Visible =.t.