>I have always thought that the (free) tables used in a SQL Select statement must already be opened before the SQL is executed.
>
>The other day, I entered a Select.. statement from the command window when no tables were opened, and the darned thing worked!!
>
>So which way is it? If the free tables are in the search path, is it ok to call a SQL select in the load() of a form without first "use"ing the tables?

It will work either way if FoxPro can find tables on the path. However, if it cannot find them, you will get an error on USE command and Open Table dialog on SELECT. In VFP9 SET TABLEPROMPT command can supress the dialog.