>Well, the thing I'm worried about is that a .XLS extension signifies that a file is an Excel spreadsheet, which means a binary file with a format specific to Excel. I know, I'm being picky.

Yes. And I'm not necessarily opposed to being picky, mind you. Just a matter of whether it's material or not. But you have to be comfortable with the code.

If you use Mark's automation idea then you can just as easily do the COPY TO TYPE XLS, then automate Excel to delete the first row of field names, then Save.

That leaves your code fully self-documenting and the PWCA (programmer who comes after) will know exactly what your intention is. Or you could just write comments, but where's the fun in that?

Actually, the reason I didn't take this tact and why I probably won't automate it to save it is, is because I didn't want my export routine to force the user to have the application in order to use it. For example, it's nice to be able to save as a format you don't have but the person you're working with does have.

At least we have a couple of options now. That's a Good Thing (tm).