>>I have a VFP app that calls a separate EXE COM server. The purpose of the COM server is to obtain and hold an FLOCK() on a production DBF or DBC file.
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>>Because it is in a separate process (and it must be a separate process, an in-process DLL COM server doesn't work), there is a possibility it could continue to run and hold an FLOCK() on a production table or DBC in the event of the main app crashing in the wrong place. Since the main app runs unattended 24/7, that would be a Very Bad Thing.
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>>I was thinking of including some sort of watchdog timer/deadman switch in the COM EXE, so it will commit suicide if the parent app doesn't exist or respond (?) within some reasonable amount of time.
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>>Ideas, anyone?
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>ServiceMill allows you to convert your app to a service and then manage it including start/stop on schedule.
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>http://www.activeplus.com/Products/ServiceMill

Not quite what I'm looking for in this particular circumstance, but could be useful on other projects - thanks.