it's ok ... i got the solution which i will post next week

thanks

Thanks for the response ... I can't figure where you are leading at but

here are the results using the count(*)

...

thanks everybody!

in sql7, the setting is done thru sp_dbccmptlevel. it should be set to 70.

the error on the select top n statement did NOT is gone.

again ... thanks

...

thanks for the response brian ...

i'm using sql 7 sp4. where exactly in the properties does this parameter set?

thanks