This change is documented in the readme.htm on VFP8beta installation CD:
"Using the DISTINCT clause in a SELECT SQL statement containing Memo and/or General fields is no longer supported. Instead, you can wrap a Memo field expression inside a function such as PADR() or ALLTRIM(). Additionally, you can no longer use a UNION clause with a Memo field unless the ALL clause is also included. An error is now generated if a Memo or General field is used in this scenario".

>I have some SELECT-SQL Commands that worked fine in previous version of VFP ,
>but it doesnt work in VFP 8 Beta.
>
>It doesnt work when I have a memo field and the DISTINCT clause in a Select SQL.
>
>Sample:
>

>SELECT DISTINCT EMP_ID, notes FROM EMPLOYEE WHERE COUNTRY = 'UK'
>

>Returns this error:
>STRING IS TO LONG TO FIT
>
>or
>

>SELECT DISTINCT * FROM EMPLOYEE WHERE COUNTRY = 'UK'
>

>Returns this error:
>Operation is invalid for Memo, General, or Picture field
>
>Could someone explain-me why ?
>What changed in SELECT-SQL ?
>I have applications whit this kind of code... Will it be possibel to upgrade ?
>If YES, how ?
>
>PS: I readed the SELECT-SQL in VFP 8.0 Beta Help and it doesnt says something about it.
>
>TIA
>
>Peter