>
>a) wouldn't it throw an error if we try to replace a non-existant field?
>and

Maybe there is an ON ERROR in place that is not showing the error? Maybe you have a different copy of the table open that has the same field in it?

>b) why would it work running the PRG/form but not the EXE?

You'll know why once you diagnose the problem :) Try Cetin's idea, or BROWSE like I said, to see if you are indeed in that table. Perhaps even put a BROWSE after the REPLACE, and you'll see if it happened or not.

>
>the solution has to be releated to the EXE version specifically. Does anyone know of a bug related to named references or macro substitution under VFP6?
>

I don't know of one...