How about:

inMergeVar = filetostr('filename.txt')
inMergeVar = inMergeVar + " " + fieldname1 + ", " + fieldname2 + " "

Then the macro expansion of it should work unless you have a typo.

If you need the TXT file to reflect these changes:

set text merge to filename.txt additive
set text merge on
\<>, <>
set textmerge off
set textmerge to && this close the file so VFP will release it
inMergeVar = filetostr('filename.txt')

>Hello guys,
>
>Is it possible to do the following
>
>inMergevar = "set textmerge on to filename.txt additive "
>inMergevar = inMergevar + " <>, <> "
>inMergevar = inMergevar + " set textmerge off"
>
>sele table
> do while not eof()
> &inMergevar <-- can I reference the command in here
> skip
> enddo
>
>the file gets created not data on it, and besides it gets locked by the
>foxpro program, I had to exit VFP completely to open the file
>
>tx
>
>mark oliva

Mark McCasland
Midlothian, TX USA