You can invoke Excel using COM Automation; use VFP's CreateObject() function to create an object reference to it, then call the Excel methods from within VFP to set various properties and make the sheet visible.

An example:

oXL = createobject("Excel.Sheet")
oXL.Application.Workbooks.Open("mysheet.xls")

Robert Bradley

FoxDev - Visual FoxPro Development

I mean I want to run the Excel / lotus program, while I run my program.

It will run the MS Excel by auto, no need I click the Excel.exe.

THanks

You need to further define your question. Are you wanting to start Excel/Lotus when you open VFP in development mode or are you trying to start Excel/Lotus from within an application you built with VFP?

If the former, refer to Chapter 3, Configuring Visual FoxPro, in the Programmer's guide. Specifically the areas titled Starting Applications or Programs Automatically and Using a Configuration File.

If the latter, FoxDev's suggestion about COM Automation is the way to go if you need to manipulate the external program. If you are just wanting to open another program and could care less about manipulating it from within VFP, check out the RUN command in the help file.

Jon Hawkins


Carpe Diem! - Seize the Day!