I like this better (VFP8)

TRY
	USE mytable EXCL
CATCH TO oErr WHERE oErr.ErrorNo = 1705
	* Table is in use by someone else
ENDTRY

IF USED("mytable")		&& table is open exclusevly, proceed
	* Do whatever
ENDIF

>Adjusted to restore previous ON ERROR setting...
>
>>
>>I think it is easier to check "after you open it", that is, use error handling. For instance:
>>
>>

>>local llFileError, lcOldError
>lcOldError = on("error")
>>ON ERROR llFileError = .T.
>>use MyTable
>>ON ERROR &lcOldError
>>if llFileError
>>  MessageBox("Can't open table.")
>>else
>>  (Continue processing)
>>endif
>>

>>