>phew! that was quick thanks ;)
>
>charfld1+DTOC(datefld)+STR(NumericFld1,3)+STR(NumericFld2,3)+STR(NumericFld3,3)+charfld2
>

Stuart,

Most likely DTOC(datefld) causes the error because the lenght of result returned may vary depending on SET CENTURY. Error building key for index "name". (Error 2199) is new for VFP9. Anywaty, you should use DTOC(datefld,1) (or DTOS(datefld)) which returns date in the format suitable for an index.