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>>The only way you can do this is to isolate the data and not give the user direct access to it. You can put the data on a server, then only allow the users access through a COM server.
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>Craig,thanks for your reply.
>I was looking for some from of security for existing apps, so it is not a runner to develop com coponetents.
>
>Is there any way within NT or Novell, to 'Hide' files from explorer , but let them be visible to the app. This would give alimited orm of security from 'prying' eyes.
>

The p;roblem is, if you need to allow the user to read and write to the files, you can't make it selective to your application; it's a right granted by the OS that VFP is required to respect.

You can 'hide' files of a given type in the Windows Explorer (take a look at the
View-Folder Options Dialog, using the View and File Types tabs.) but these settings can be changed and overridden. You might want to explore using System Policies in conjunction with the Zero Administration Kit if you have total control of the environment; if not, the settings in Explorter can be changed and the user can nail the files. IAC, he can always open up a command window and blow them away from the command line.

If you need to restrict access to a single application, your best bet is either to only provide indirect file access through a COM server as Craig suggested, or use a backend database server like SQL Server or Oracle which provides the necessary security facilities.