The following Tech Tip article addresses a GDI object / handle resource leak problem with the IDL 8.1 Workbench that can potentially cause the Workbench session to crash.: "Patch available for IDL 8.1 Workbench crash problem caused by GDI object / handle leak" http://www.exelisvis.com/...echtip.asp?ttid=4672 The article contains a download link for an unofficial patch to fix the problem with the IDL 8.1 Workbench. Please note that the problem may affect previous versions of the IDL Workbench (IDL versions 7.0, 7.1, 8.0). However, this patch will only work with IDL 8.1 and is expected to be incorporated into the next release of IDL. -Jim