>Because multiple records in two tables are being updated what I really need is a dependable way of retrying the update untill it works (I know it will be freed up eventually). The message would tell user update failed and would try retry.
>
>Any suggestions pointers appreciated.
>
>For example
>1. Is it worth while trying to lock the table before the SCAN loop amd how would that affect other users who try to get the record.
>2. Would I need to change all programs that do updates.

I don't know enough about the app to feel confident about suggesting wholesale changes.

You said that: "sometimes a record doesn't get updated but you can't reproduce the problem"; you also did not mention "what" you think the problem is. Throwing a lot of code at a "problem" when one doesn't even know what the problem is rarely works.

The methods I suggested is where "I" would start; I have no other ideas.