>>I used the following code to instantiate a word object:

>>WordObj = CREATEOBJECT("Word.Application")

>>The command TYPE("WORDOBJ") returns "O".
>>After RELEASE WORDOBJ, TYPE("WORDOBJ") returns "U".

>>Then, when i bring up the Task Manager, i still see WINWORD in the program list. Lots of WINWORDs actually when running the program. And eventually, the pc chokes due to lack of memory.

>>Why doesnt WinWord go away?

>>thx

Your last statement should be;

WordObj = "" or
WordObj = .null.

I had a similar problem and either "" or null seems to make Word release and quit.