[rbayer]

One way to do this would be with the InternetOpenURL function. Unfortunately, this function will immediately start downloading the requested file, and I don't remember any options to disable this feature. Since you have the MSDN library, I won't post all the details of this function here, since it is rather long.

If anyone familiar with the inner workings of the HTTP protocal could let us know if there is a command to query whether a file exists or not, you can use the HttpSendRequest function to send a customized set of headers.

Anyway, C++ doesn't provide networking capability as part of the language, so you're going to have to use either MFC or the Platform SDK. Alternatively, Java sounds like a much better solution to this problem, but I could be wrong. Could you post a few more details about what it is you are trying to do?

Finally, please don't bash MFC and the MSDN library. RoboEmu was written completely in MFC and it helped so much in the development process I can't imagine ever going back. Likewise, a LOT of commercially produced software, including PTC's Pro/Desktop, uses MFC. If you've ever tried designing a GUI with more than a few elements, especially if it uses custom controls, you'll learn to appreciate the incredible power and simplicity of MFC.