I suggest using vector or, if in MFC, CArray. Both use the heap, instead of stack, and maintain the count. Option 2 is to simply use: char* pStr = new char[255]; But make sure you delete it when you got out of scope (or use a smart pointer class.) Anyone who thinks he has a better idea of what's good for people than people do is a swine. - P.J. O'Rourke

A 4096-character string wouldn't be a problem. You have a lot of room to work with? Just remember that the string-type does not mutate. Everytime you make a change, .NET creates a new instance with the change. There may be exceptions to this but a string is pretty much immutable. Of course, StringBuilder is mutable but it has its own overhead.

Look in the module MSComm32.dep. It require comcat.dll and also optionally other components for support of languages other than english. Since you are using the control in VB.NET you must also insure that the Interop assembly(s) for the control are also installed! Hope this helps, Robert