>>I have the same approach in forms that require exclusive use. But, what if the form that is openned by USER1 is the form (Form1) that requires exclusive use. And USER2 tries to open Form2 that does not require exclusive use and also has databound controls. I get the error loading file - Parent - record 21 - File Access is denied.
>
>User2 will not be able to open form 2 and will receive the message and the Load() will RETURN .F.

Ok I have raised the white flag on this one. I spent the better part of this morning trying very combination of stuff I could try without success.
To re-cap:

I have a form which use the data environment and AutoOpen is .T. and the form has data bound controls. If another users opens a table(s) contained in the DE of my form exclusively my form will not function. The problem is how do I trap this condition. I have reviewed the error event within the DE without success. I need a quick fix since I have many forms setup with the DE and AutoOpen=.T.. Please point me in the right direction if there is one. tia steve