Hi Stuart

> Found this bit of code on MS Web Site, it works, I think files were to big for the other method.

Wow! I hadn't ealized you were exceeding the 8Gb limit on strings with these files. I have even seen Steven Black use CHRTRAN() and STRTRAN() on the entire text of "Anna Karenina" in a single string without problems. But you know your own data best, and if you have a solution.....good!