thanks naomi - i tried some of the sample code solutions in the wiki solutions which did not work - not surprisingly. I downloaded the cm repair table utility and it is an amazing piece of craftsmanship - found the errors right away - the free version of course does not repair the problem - but that looks like an excellent investment.

i found by closing vfp - deleting the file entirely - then restocking the dbf file works. i do realize that any data is lost in the process but the new file is at least not corrupted.

thanks for the research naomi - much appreciated.
k

>>i am getting 'missing ftp file' and invalid ftp messages
>>is there a way to update the .ftp file once a database containing memo field has been altered - ie additional records added.
>>or if it is missing to create one.
>>
>>thanks
>>k
>
>Check http://fox.wikis.com/wc.dll?Wiki~MemoFileMissingOrInvalid~Wiki and also CM Table Repair Utility Download #9537 and
>DBF Recovery v1.1 Download #28088