>>But I'm not talking about the reader having a problem. I'm talking about the database engine having a problem. VFP can get confused in this situation--that's why it should be avoided.
>>
>>Tamar
>

>VFP will certainly not get confused!! I'm sure about that.

You may be sure about that, but the problem has occurred and people have solved it by changing the local alias. I don't think it occurs in all cases; there may be another factor. But using a single-letter local alias is bad practice because the problem can occur.

Tamar