>>You are confusing a value returned by datetime() function with what is dispalyed
>>
>>>
>>>I agree with Naomi, the Helpfile says explicit the value returned by DATETIME( ) is determined by the current SET HOURS setting. More important how can I get a 12 hour notation or am I forced to make a function?
>>>
>
>The Help file is confusing:
>
>Use SET HOURS TO without 12 or 24 to return to the default 12-hour format.
>
>TIME( ) always returns a value in 24-hour format and isn't affected by SET HOURS. The value returned by DATETIME( ) is determined by the current SET HOURS setting.
>
>SET HOURS is scoped to the current data session.
>----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>In my tests I got the same output for ? DATETIME() regardless on the current SET HOURS settings.

The help file is inaccurate. TIME() returns a string value that is always 24-hour, so remains unaffected by the SET HOURS setting. As Sergey pointed out, DATETIME() returns a value that is independent of the format settings -- what *is* affected is the display format.