There is no error event...it runs smoothly, just returns an empty string. The lnStartPos is 2 (I want the stuff between the square brackets).

Additional information: the lcHoldContent is a parameter passed to this method and gets its value in the calling method from a memo field. (I haven't TRIM()'ed it bec. I think that does nothing with a memo field or with a SUBSTR(). Am I wrong?) The variables lnStartPos and lcStringGotten are both declared Local at the top of the routine. I don't know if this information makes a difference.

I am still baffled. I also can't think of a workaround.

Thanks for the input.

Jim