> As long as you don't have multiple scripts starting at approximately the same time. I use this same algorithm sometimes but I always use flock() because otherwise there is a race condition. Even using flock() does not remove the race on the creation of the file, though, which is why if you really want to remove the race condition you make sure the file pre-existant (via package delivery or something to that affect). At least this is how I understand the problem....james _______________________________________________ Yep. Defintely. If multiple scripts start up at the same time, then that pid file will get smashed with multiple values. This works nicely if you are just looking to make a long running script a little more polite. Mike