>>>How can I duplicate - force - the error on the SCATTER command?
>>>
>>
>>To see whether this command gives the error, just try it with nothing open in the current work area.
>>
>>

>>SELECT 0
>>SCATTER FIELDS EXCEPT order_nor TO array2Replicate memo
>>

>>
>>
>>Tamar
>
>I just cannot figure where in the program there is "SELECT 0"; I don't remember issuing this command since dBase days. So must be some other "process" that selects the "0" alias. But which one is the question for me.

The select 0 was only a way to simulate the error - not the probable cause.

Instead of trying to find which process has changed the workarea to an unused one (could be anything that selects into a cursor and then closes it without restoring the workarea on exit), why not just select the one you want immediately before the scatter command?