You are not being a pest. See my last reply for a suggestion on using quote marks.

>Hi Mark
>
>Sorry to be such a pest!!
>
>? sqlprepare(gnhandle, 'select * from dual', 'temp') && no cursor is created yet. the return value is 1
>>? sqlexec(gnhandle) && cursor Temp is created and 1 record is returned. the return value is 1
>This works for me as well...
>but the earlier statement i sent u....if u try and put that in...
>it gives errors...can u tell me why???
>
>Thanks
>Fida