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# FreeFile Function

Returns the next available file number for opening a file. Use this function to open a file using a file number that is not already in use by a currently open file.

## Syntax:

    FreeFile

## Return value:

Integer

## Parameters:

This function can only be used immediately in front of an Open statement. FreeFile returns the next available file number, but does not reserve it.

## Error codes:

5 Invalid procedure call

67 Too many files

## Example:

    Sub ExampleWorkWithAFile
    Dim iNumber As Integer
    Dim sLine As String
    Dim aFile As String
    Dim sMsg As String
        aFile = "c:\data.txt"
        sMsg = ""
        iNumber = Freefile
        Open aFile For Output As #iNumber
        Print #iNumber, "First line of text"
        Print #iNumber, "Another line of text"
        Close #iNumber
        iNumber = Freefile
        Open aFile For Input As #iNumber
        While Not eof(#iNumber)
            Line Input #iNumber, sLine
            If sLine <>"" Then
                sMsg = sMsg & sLine & chr(13)
            End If
        Wend
        Close #iNumber
        MsgBox sMsg
    End Sub