>You're right, table3 is still not being appended. Let me throw this into the mix . . . the regular key ID field in table2 (which IS being appended) is not getting the ID that table1 (with the primary key) is getting. table 2 is getting zeros. Any clues there?

Fields in both tables the same? If so, make a copy of all 3 tables [dbf, fpt and cdx if applicable]. IN THE COPIES, Delete all but about 10 records per table. Pack the tables. Zip the tables into a ZIP file [if possible]. E-mail them to me, and I'll take a look at them.