Thanks Tamar, That's it it works in my programs. I just did it in the command window and VFP's default is set dele off. I guess installing VFP9 did change my normal settings.

Thanks

Peter

>>

>>SELECT claims.claimno,links.startdate,claimnt.lname,statute.statgrp_id,links.link_id  FROM claims;
>>left JOIN links ON claims.claim_id=links.parent_id;
>>left JOIN claimnt ON links.child_id=claimnt.claimnt_id;
>>left JOIN statute ON links.statute_id=statute.statute_id;
>>where links.ltype="CLCT" AND claims.claim_id=49142 ;
>>AND NOT DELETED()
>>

>>
>>it returns 6 records instead of 2 (4 are deleted in the links table)
>>I thought and not deleted would eliminate deleted records???
>>
>
>You need to indicate which table you're referring to with the DELETED() function. Otherwise, it'll evaluate whatever the current workarea happens to be. In a multi-table query, you're better off staying away from the DELETED() function and using SET DELETED instead.
>
>Tamar