>Allan,
>
>I tested a local view with my records in an unusual order (to get away from the natural table order) and the RECNO() is numbered sequentially.
>

What about the obvious solution of not using an index - create a view in the proper order, so that RECNO() works as a mechanism for alternation? Another technique might be to use the ActiveRow or RelativeRow properties for this; it's a SWAG, not having tried it, and I don't have sample code to provide.