>What is the equivalent in SQL-server SQL pass-through of NODATA ? I.e how can I force an empty cursor -- efficiently? (This must be a dumb question!)

What VFP sends to SQL Server when you especify NODATA is "SET FMTONLY ON/OFF" For example, if you open a view that queries the EMPLOYEE table with NODATA, VFP will send:

set fmtonly on
select * from employee
set fmtonly off

Yet, sending "select * from employee where 1=0" seems to be equally effective