>I'm jumping in late here, but what's wrong with the word function AppIsRunning(windowName$)?
>
>Plus you've got:-
>AppGetNames ArrayVariable$()
>AppGetNames(ArrayVariable$())
>
>The AppGetNames statement fills a previously defined string array with the names of open application windows (including hidden application windows that do not appear in the Task List). If ArrayVariable$() has fewer elements than the number of open applications, the array is filled with as many names as there are elements, and an error does not occur.
>The AppGetNames() function carries out the same action and also returns the number of open application windows (including hidden application windows that do not appear in the Task List). AppGetNames() returns the same value as AppCount().
>
>and...
>AppSendMessage [WindowName$,] Message, Wparam, Lparam
>
>and even...
>MicrosoftFoxPro
>
>Apologies if I've completely misunderstood what the problem is (wouldn't surprise me, it's my age you know).

Thanks for yor help,

I will try to use these old functions. The reason we have not used them is the fact that they are not part of VBA use with Word 97.