Not sure if I got your description right - do you want something like this?:

* Procedure text3.InterActiveChange()
Local lcEmpName
lcEmpName = LOWER(Trim(NVL(thisform.text3.value,'')))
If Len(m.lcEmpName) >= 3
    SELECT * FROM emp1 WHERE LOWER(empname) Like '%&lcEmpName%' Into ...
Endif

hth
-Stefan


>hi all,
>i need help to start locate if thisform.text3.value>=3 characters
>
>via this code(atc(trim.........)
>
>

>SELECT depno,depname,mobile,tel,empname,empno from emp1;
>         where  atc(trim(thisform.text3.value) ,empname)>0 ;
>         ORDER by empno;
>          into cursor crsMyCursor
>

>
>thanks