PMFJI, but just incase Mark isn't around right now, the "select 0" command is using the number zero. It's been available since foxpro/dos 2.x

Good luck!

>Mark I never ever use the near fct so it is always off. I will test your code chgs. however 'select 0' gives an error
>
>>First some code cleanup for better flow. I also include modifications for you to try:

>>lcOldNear = set("near")
>>set near off   && see if the setting for NEAR is ON. if so turn it off.
>>select 0
>>use Scanfile
>>select 0
>>use Ecu  &&dump from  sql
>>index on alltrim(label) to z
>>select Scanfile     && new line of code
>>locate
>>do while .not. eof("Scanfile")
>>   lab = allt(data)
>>   select Ecu
>>   seek lab
>>   if .not. eof("Ecu")
>>      replace scanfile.acct with  acct  && ok here
>>   else
>>      replace scanfile.noun with 'UNKNOWN'   && NEVER happens, remains blank
>>   endif
>>   select Scanfile
>>   skip
>>enddo
>>select Scanfile
>>set filter to noun = ' '
>>browse
>>select Scanfile
>>replace all noun with 'UNKNOWN'
>>set filter to
>>browse           && ALIAS NOT FOUND!
>>
>>set near &lcOldNear