"Eric" wrote in message
...
I am trying to get a batch file to run in the background
of excel that transfers text files via ftp up and down
from an AS400 server. I can get excel to call the batch
file with the code Shell "C:\schedule\down.bat, 1",
however, the batch file never completes its task and excel
gives no error. I can run the batch file by going to the
folder where it is stored and manually double clicking on
the file. It runs in a DOS window and works fine when
executed that way. Am I missing something in excel that
allows the batch file to run in a DOS window or something?
Can anyone help me with this problem?

If you have VB, C++ or the Developer edition of office
you can use the msinet.ocx in your VBA code
to do the ftp avoiding the batch file altogether

see
http://officerone.tripod.com/vba/ftp_upload_file.html

Keith