Thanks for the "technobable" Lee, looks like something concrete to be used (you may be amazed but I even understand it). ;-) As to the provenance of the 4 hour garbage, in my case I know they come from the intended recipients' sites as to check the errors I telnet from a unix to a vm system and all these errors are clearly stamped as to source. Good, I know where the stuff comes from, I'll start hitting 'em anew with your suggestion. Douglas Douglas Winship Hays County, Texas [log in to unmask] Secondary AUTOCAT Listowner MEDLAB-L