>>
>>We're talking SQL Server cursors here - not VFP.
>
>Yes, I know. If you have a reason to believe they are worse in SQL please enlighten me.

Here is a link that I found helpful

http://www.sqlbook.com/SQL/Avoiding-using-SQL-Cursors-20.aspx

I rewrote a SP to recalculate some Quantity On Hand issues. Using cursors it took 7+ HOURS. Rewritten using temp tables it runs in 10 minutes!

I initially thought the same thing about cursors as you did Mike, and don't know why cursors are such a dog in SQL, but I am convinced that temp tables are the only way to go!

-- cmt