You don't need macro substitution in this case. It also can cause a problem if file name includes spaces.

if not used(m.tcOrigTable)
	use (m.tcOrigTable) in 0 excl
endif

if not used(m.lcArchTableAlias)
	use (m.lcArchTable) alias (m.lcArchTableAlias) in 0
endif

>I forgot to mention i need to open the original in exclusive mode (so i can delete and pack). I have been 'stuck' in this, so i may be missing the forest for the trees :)
>
>I am doing everything with variables...here's my code:
>
>if not used(m.tcOrigTable)
> use &tcOrigTable in 0 excl
>endif
>
>if not used(m.lcArchTableAlias)
> use &lcArchTable alias &lcArchTableAlias in 0
>endif
>
>The variables for the tables include the UNC path.
>
>Thank you kindly.