I hate screns that just sit there for ever with no feedback , too!

One easy solution is indirect processing, you have TWO separate .exe's running, one that actually does the work, and one that the use sees, that tells him how many records are unprocessed, etc. This MAY be theoretically less efficient, but in the real world, I get more work done if my screen has a HUGE indicator of task completion, so I can keep an eye on the progress form 30 feet away!

eg

tcom = "Run /N2 my_processing.exe"
&tcom
DO FORM show_how_many_records_left_to_process


There are probably several better ways, but this allows you to get something working quickly, also allows several people to monitor a process, such as shippers waiting till all the orders are released before they print pick lists!

Mike