>>I think that ShellExecute is really the only way to go here.

That may be...and your points with regard to the Shell Object are taken. That is why I suggested both ways...

The deal is, automation REQUIRES and automation server. If all I have to do is fire up word, and I don't need to interact with the application, I am more likely to use ShellExecute or the Shell object. It is easier, and as far as I know, it does not carry the overhead of an automation call. That is what I meant as far as overkill was concerned. I suppose this point could be debated.

The fact is, the guy wanted to use Notepad since that is the associated program for TXT files. Tamar gave the impression that it could not be done since she thought notepad was not an automation server.

Two things are true:

1. Notepad is not an automation server
2. Notepad could still be used...


Just keeping it real...

You brought up some very good points Erik... They could use you at FPA... Even on a trivial matter such as this, the technical ineptitude of at least part of the FPA TE staff is ever present...< s >...