Mike,

Thanks for the help (again). I'll check into the characteristics of the other 10-20% of the data.

Always glad to hear from you.

John

>Hey John.
>
>>1. Should I use varchar? Most (80-90%) entries are c(7) with the rest being up to c(10).
>
>I'm a big fan of varchar so I'd say to go ahead and use it unless the rest of the data has the same size characteristics. That is, the rest of the columns use the entire (or close) column size.
>
>>2. How does SQL Server handle the change internally? Create new table and copy data? Create new column, move data, delete old column, etc.?
>>3. What is the most efficient way to make the change without bringing the system to it's knees?
>
>It's my understanding that SEM creates a new table and copies the data over while an ALTER just changes the structure. Go with an explicit ALTER.
>
>-Mike