>Can anyone give me th syntax for this command - my help file tells me that it's included for backwards compatibility but tells me nothing at all about it.

I just found a Fox 2.x Help file, so


UPDATED()
Returns true (.T.) if you changed any data during the most recent READ.

Syntax

UPDATED( )

Returns

Logical

Remarks

UPDATED( ) returns true if the data in a field, spinner or text editing region was changed or if a choice was made from a check box; an invisible, push or radio button; a list; or a popup.
UPDATED( ) returns false (.F.) if the data in a field, spinner or text editing region wasn't changed or no choices were made from a check box; an invisible, push or radio button; a list; or a popup during the most recent READ. UPDATED( ) returns false if a control was updated from within a program (for example, with REPLACE or SHOW GETS).