WD2000: Shell Command Does Not Start Second Instance of Word

ID: Q209910

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

When you use the Visual Basic for Applications Shell function to run Word, another instance of Word is not created if Word is currently running. In versions of Word prior to Word 2000, another instance of Word is run when you use the Shell function.


CAUSE

This behavior is by design as part of the Word 2000 Single Document Interface (SDI).


RESOLUTION

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Adding any Word command-line switch to the command line will run a new, separate instance of Word. However, Word has added a new command-line switch, "/w", to enable you to run a separate instance of Word. Using this new command-line switch opens a new, separate instance of Word with a blank document.

For example:

   Shell "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\Winword.exe /w"


MORE INFORMATION

For more information about command-line switches, click Microsoft Word Help on the Help menu, type "startup" in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view "Control what happens when you start Microsoft Word".

Additional query words: vba 


Keywords          : kbdta kbwordvba wd2000 
Version           : WINDOWS:2000
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbbug

Last Reviewed: June 15, 1999