>Hi Ken,
>
>Sure, and in fact most programs can be run that way. There are a couple of things, however, I prefer about ShellExecute. First, let's assume that the user has a different program than MSPaint associated with the bmp files. I don't have to know what that program is or where it is. Second, I know whether or not the attempt to open the file succeeded or not and why. The RUN will only generate a "RUN Command Failed" error.

Hi George!

Yes, of course ShellExececute is a more controlled solution. My intent was merely to clarify that you could open a specific file with the run command. My reply was really directed (or should have been) to the originator of the post, as I know you are quite well aware of these things.