Thanks very much for the replies.
Matt, it has been over 20 years since I did any programming and I have never written anything for/on/under Windows, so please excuse a potentially provocative observation and certainly not trying to teach my granny to suck eggs!
I can type \\missing in the runbox but then start and use other programs without ill effect, Windows does not 'halt'. The reason this was so noticeable (and annoying) on MC is the fact you cannot do anything. Even clicking on a playlist just does nothing, it is like the command is queued, then gets executed when control is returned to the interface between 6 and 10 seconds after clicking.
As I said, my programming knowledge is well out of date but I am surprised this is not just some function call with a return parameter or flag set that you can check at your desired interval? In these days of multiple threads etc, seems very strange the interface gets locked up when submitting a network request.
Jim,
I don't use auto import (yes, call me a control freak!) My answer above also applies to the "Drive suddenly not there" scenario too, but the app/play engine would have to have error handling built in for that eventuality (a source that is playing suddenly not being there).
Just for clarity, my music is kept locally on a RAID 0 and that folder is set correctly. The only other folder setting I changed was the 'Other Video' setting.
Keep up the sterling work with MC.