Jeff: Not that I entirely understand your problem, but doesn't the INDEX subsommand of a DATABASE search do the trick? /* ------------ e-mail to: listserv@uicvm------------- */ //ListSrch JOB Echo=no Database Search DD=Rules //Rules DD * s * in h-amstdy index /* // EOJ /* --------------------- clip and save ---------------- */ /Pete ([log in to unmask]) -- co-owner LDBASE-L, TQM-L, FINAID-L, et -L -- Peter M. Weiss "The 'NET' never naps" +1 814 863 1843 31 Shields Bldg. -- Penn State Univ -- University Park, PA USA 16802-1202