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>I will need to remove multiple fields and "drop column f1, f2, f3" doesn't work. So I assume I will have to issue multiple alter table commands?

Yes, you will need to drop them one by one. A single ALTER TABLE command works with one field, but can set multiple field attributes in a single command.

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>Also, Can I stop alter from creating a backup table? I didnt see any reference to the backup in the help? .TBK.

You cannot stop creating .TBK files, but you can just delete them programmaticaly after your ALTER TABLE command.