>George
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>The application under development requires a generic means of printing files and ShellExecute() provides this, assuming the file type has an associated Windows application.
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>With regard to Word, an instance of Word appears on screen followed by its print dialog.
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>The print dialog is OK but the instance of Word may cause concern to the uninitiated. COM may be the only answer as far as Word is concerned, but I am hoping there may be a simpler workaround and if Word behaves like that I can only assume Excel may be similar.
>
Dennis,

If there are a number of different types (associated with different applications) of files, then I'd say ShellExecute() or the Shell (from the WSH) object's Run method would be the way to go. You might try SW_SHOWMINNOACTIVE (7) as the window state parameter. I can only guess what's happening with Word. As I recall, the sort of behavior you describe doesn't seem to occur with other applications such as Notepad. The parameter above, should cause the application to start minimized, but inactive and your application will retain the focus.