Hi Guessed

Thanks for the reply, unfortunately to run a process to create a dummy file will require another file to exist (a short .com file, for example, to create the dummy) which defeats my aims of being able to pass a single file onto others.

The second idea to use the startup path would mean that the excel file would always need to be in a specific directory which then gives the opportunity for another cockup. Currently the only directory stipulation is that the VB6 .exe and the Excel file are in the same folder, but that folder can be in any sub folder on any drive.

I think I may have to just settle for the fact that I cant do it.

Thanks to all for your suggestions.
Mike