>there are no errors shown when the program executes. the problem is that i have the program set on a scheduler which continuosly runs. when i try to access the .dbf after the program has executed, fox gives me an error saying file access is denied.
>

Does it say 'File Access is Denied', or does it say 'File is in use'? Apparently your routine works properly the first time through, then fails on the next attempt.

If it says the 2nd message, you can do this at the top of your routine:

if !used("test.dbf")
    use test.dbf in 0 shared alias a_alias
endif
if !used("test1.dbf")
    use test1.dbf in 0 shared alias a_alias1
endif

> the reason for the error is because the file is still being seen as being used exclusively. i want the alias to either be used shared or to be closed when done. i tried the command "use" after the end scan statement to close the work area; but even with that, the file was seen as being used exclusively. the program works. i just cannot get the work area to recognize the alias as shared or close alias from the work area after excecution. thanks.
>

You should be able to close the tables at the end of the scan by:

use in a_alias
use in a_alias1