if strPathtoFile is something like "C:\MyFolcer\MyFile.xls" then that is
your problem.

the argument to Workbooks must be of the form Myfile.xls
and Myfile.xls must be open in excel.

Thanks for the reply.

I'm wondering if I need to create a worksheet object first:

Set xlwks = CreateObject("Excel.Sheet")

Is this correct? And then get the workbook like this:

Set xlwkb = xlwks.Parent

I think once I have the objects set, I'll be on the right track. I might
have to go back to early binding otherwise...