Hi,

I' d try a first thing ...

Code:
 
if Myword.15 then
 
MyWord = Myword * -1 ' absolute value
MyLong = MyWord * -1 ' the negative number
 
Else
 
MyLong = MyWord
 
Endif
certainly not the smartest ... but simple.

*** IDEA : TO BE CONFIRMED ***
Alain