Allan,
>But, a simple 'use' and 'browse' of a dbf should not append a 'a' (not _a) to the field name.
Just shooting in the dark, but maybe you are using "browse last" and in the previous browse the name of the field was changed? I know is not likely, but can't think of anything else
"The five senses obstruct or deform the apprehension of reality."
Jorge L. Borges?
"Premature optimization is the root of all evil in programming."
Donald Knuth, repeating C. A. R. Hoare
"To die for a religion is easier than to live it absolutely"
Jorge L. Borges