>Yes,i do:
>
> Select Distinct tu51_tmp.f01,mull_abs.date,mull_abs.reson,;
> cat_hour_tmp.color_no;
> From tu51_tmp,mull_abs,cat_hour_tmp,cat_dep_tmp,;
> cat_job_tmp;
> Into Cursor mull_abs_tmp;
> Where cat_dep_tmp.chrcode = tu51_tmp.f23 and;
> tu51_tmp.f35 = cat_job_tmp.chrcode and;
> tu51_tmp.f01 = mull_abs.employee and ;
> mull_abs.reson = cat_hour_tmp.chrcode
>
>Why?

Because this select creates a new temporary file opens it in the same area and made it READONLY.
Try this and see if some will change

Select Distinct tu51_tmp.f01,mull_abs.date,mull_abs.reson,;
                cat_hour_tmp.color_no;
From tu51_tmp,mull_abs,cat_hour_tmp,cat_dep_tmp,;
     cat_job_tmp;
Where cat_dep_tmp.chrcode = tu51_tmp.f23  and;
      tu51_tmp.f35 = cat_job_tmp.chrcode and;
      tu51_tmp.f01 = mull_abs.employee and ;
      mull_abs.reson = cat_hour_tmp.chrcode;
Into Cursor tmp_mull_abs_tmp  && Change the Name of the cursor

BTW What version of VFP You use?