>Yes, I get the same error when I use your syntax.
>I think the project is using vfp7 at runtime. I'm using vfp9 to modify the report. Sorry, that never occurred to me.
>
>The project is an off the shelf business software that was written in foxpro. Not one of mine. The boss has not allowed me to change the project and recompile due to copyright concerns. I can get at the reports though.

You may try some other function, e.g. IIF(LEFT(displayval(),1)==',',SUBSTR(displayval(),2),displayval())