That is called multi-threading...can't be done in VFP...which means you can go ahead and use your other method (which is taking advantage of your operating system's multi-tasking capablities).

re: the limit
Go ahead and test it...

Take care,
Joe

>How does one ensure that one method/procedure doesn't just hog system resources (and bring everything else in the VFP window to a grinding halt)? For example, I have one method that creates a temporary index to a large file. When that method is invoked, it brings anything else running in the same main VFP window to a screeching halt. Is there some way to have that method run in the same VFP instance as other things without stopping the show? Or do I have to run that form/ method in a separate instance of VFP? (And what is the limit to the number of separate instances of VFP I can have running at one time?)
>
>Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.