Thanks to all the input. Problem solved, allow me to tell you what happened:

1. It worked with the full FB server installed.
2. It didn't work with the embedded server.
3. The same routine used with the full FB installed, as with the embedded, just the filenames adjusted.
4. Worked fine at "DOS" prompt.
5. Still didn't work in the program.
6. Changed from using "spawnl" to "CreateProcess", and hot diggy darn.. it now works!!!!

Wooohooo!

--- In firebird-support@yahoogroups.com, "munster77054" <munster77054@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all:
>
> Hope someone can give me some guidance. I'm working on a program for my wife, which eventually I will be releasing as freeware. Now, I can get the database compacted using gbak.exe just fine from "within" my program, using the full FB install. However, when I try the same thing with the embedded FB, I can't get it to work, even with all the necessary files within the application folder.
>
> Any ideas why the embedded FB won't let me compact?
>
> Thanks all.
>