>>I was able to both append and import from Excel 97. The file was saved as both a Microsoft Excel Workbook and Microsoft Excel 97/5.0 & 95 Workbook. In both instances I used the "TYPE XL8" clause. Now admittedly, the workbooks were very vanilla: single page, no macros, no fancy formatting, but VFP 6.0 didn't squawk one bit. This is under Win98. My gut reaction is that something in the workbook is causing this. But what is the question. DCOM not being installed???
>
>Try a COPY TO ... TYPE XL8, see what you get. I get an "Unrecognized command..." error. But you're right the Append From did work with XL8 with a real simple case, just not a more complex one...

It's not surprising. Neither COPY TO... nor EXPORT TO... support the XL8 type.

>So maybe some of the blame can be assigned to Excel, and not Vfp6 :)

Perhaps so, FWIW I've had very few problems VFP 6.0. Maybe it's good luck. I know it's not my "clean living":-).