Thanks for the code Matt it still didn't work completely but I moved one line so it now works. I can see your method is better rather than using the error to go to the message.

What appears to happen with your code and explains the problem with mine is with the wd code wd is never nothing whether word is open or not. it is always "Microsoft Word". In Excel it is nothing if it isn't open but "microsoft Excel" if it is. I wonder if is to do with Outlook using word as its e-mail editor. perhaps word is always open in the background.

Anyway I've finished the project and attach my results here. I'll probably play with it a bit more (just remembered one more error in that the mailfile toolbar opens if you open a word attachment must fix that as well did in my last version anyway). I've given you and the forum some recognition in the Help file. please advise if you want that removed. Its been an interesting journey and I've learn't a lot.

I'll post 3 zip files separately as they exceed the forum limit

Regards

Jeff