>Many thanks, Don. You solve my dilemna. Your advice is deeply appreciated and I am sure that I will have more questions as I go along. I hope that you will not mind. Once again, many thanks.
>
>BTW, is there a better way than to delete records when I have to get rid of it in the first place?

What is the basis of the data you are trying to eliminate...

If you have the environment setting for "SET DELETE ON", any records marked for deletion will not be visible to the user from queries or grid displays. Then, only on a maintenance basis could you open a table exclusively and pack as needed.

p.s. no problem for the assistance, that is what this forum is all about, even some of the experts hit something unexplained and look for help.