Another thread (LOCATE/SELECT) running now indicates that performance relates to the position in the file. You may be seeing that effect.

Another thought, Bob, on another branch of this thread. I suggested using a parameterized view. One other advantage of a view is that you can USE the view NOLOAD and take care of a lot of housekeeping (getting file structure, bringing indices down) at that point prior to the user entering their information. Then, bringing down the data alone will take less processing.

Best wishes -- we don't want to keep our users waiting!