>>I've also tried that syntax, but with the same results. I have not looked at the word basic documentation, do you know where I can find that? I initially used ox=createobject('word.basic') but after getting a new machine with Word 97 loaded on it, that class no longer exists, so I am attemting to use Word 97.
>
>That should usually be accessed from the Word help on doing a search on Word Basic or something like that.
>
>But, it might also be related to a weird behavior that the new setup has done.

Thanks Michel, I found some useful help screens, and I have most of it working now, except for printing. For anyone who wants to know, the following works with Word 97

** these four lines work fine
ox=createobject('word.document')
ox.application.documents.open(thisfile) && thisfile=desired file surrounded by quotes
ox.application.visible=.t.
ox.application.activedocument.printpreview

** this one doesn't, although the help states that this is the correct syntax
ox.application.activedocument.printout