>>>Surely, one-time conversion is easier, but it entirely depends on client's needs/requirements.<<
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>Unfortunately, I want to gradually introduce the new, converted programs. Otherwise it might be the year 2000 before users can start using VFP.<g> I'm devoting only an hour a day to this conversion since I'm also the chief of my company and do programming on the side when I have time.
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>Perhaps in my case it's better to design with free tables now, then convert to database containers later.
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>Wouldn't having duplicate tables slow down the programs considerably when updating?

No, if your existing system is normalized, i.e. new system will SEEK() old record(s) fast.