>>>>Bonnie, you are a jewel.
>>>>
>>>>I had used AddWithValue on in that example because I was trying to follow the example Naomi showed. However, I did not know about using ParameterDirection.InputOutput. Thanks a bunch, I am going to dig into the MM code now to figure out if there is something different that is needed to keep it working there.
>>>>
>>>>Thanks again.
>>>>Tim
>>>>
>>>
>>>Tim,
>>>
>>>You were not attentive to details. That example only used AddWithValue for the input parameter (@Category). For the output parameter it used Add method.
>>
>>
>>Yes, I know Naomi, but I used it as the first and only parameter in my case. I am not a SQL guru so was following your example by using it for the first example. Can you fill me in on the difference between AddWithValue and just Adding a parameter? I assumed they were the same except one included setting the value. Maybe I was wrong and probably is the case considering the issue.
>>Thanks
>>Tim
>
>For the Output parameters you need to provide all details (type and length). This is only possible with Add method, not a quickie AddWithValue.
>
>Also, you should try avoiding AddWithValue in the actual code. It's much better to always be 100% explicit and therefore use Add method. AddWithValue is only used because its syntax is simpler and easier to remember.
Thanks
Timothy Bryan