multiple 'winword.exe'

[Mark]

I have a strange occurance on a business computer that is
a point of sale (runs on win2kpro). Two propriatry
applications run on the machine, one written in C++ and
one in FoxPro. The C++ application uses word 2000
templates to print out invoices and some other specific
reports.
I can't understand what is happening. Whilst it is doing
a closeout I have run Task Manager and noticed that
multiple 'Winword.exe' are running under the 'processes
tab'. Each application uses 15k worth of resources. As
far as I understand this is not possible with this
version of word2000. From what I understand you can get
multiple applications of word running but only one
winword.exe under processes.
If I reboot it resolves itself but then something
triggers it to happen again, almost as if something
blocks and the problem re-appears.
Does anyone have any recommendations of what could be
causing this. I've checked the event viewer and dont see
anything untoward.
Much appreciated
Mark

 

[Jay Freedman]

Hi Mark

You're mistaken about whether it's possible to run multiple simultaneous
copies of winword.exe -- it can and does happen. It depends on *how* it's
started.

Most applications, such as Explorer, will check for the presence of a
running copy and use it to open another document if it's available. Some,
apparently including your C++ app, don't check and just fire up another
copy.

Unless this is causing errors in generating the reports, don't worry about
it. It really isn't a "problem"! Is there a reason you were poking around in
Task Manager, or were you just curious?