hello... i am faced with an enigma. SQL> select * from p_sku@shopowner_lnk where sku_cd not in 2 (select sku_cd from p_sku); no rows selected SQL> delete from p_sku@shopowner_lnk where sku_cd not in ( 2 select sku_cd from p_sku); 2 rows deleted. there are no triggers on any of these objects. SQL> select * from dba_triggers where table_name like '%SKU%'; no rows selected this 8.1.6 db lives on sun-ultra 60 (solaris). if there are no rows returned for the select statement, how can there be a delete? i'm trying to solve a problem for progammers. any feedback would be most appreciated. thanks, kris austin -- Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com -- Author: Kris Austin INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fat City Network Services -- (858) 538-5051 FAX: (858) 538-5051 San Diego, California -- Public Internet access / Mailing Lists -------------------------------------------------------------------- To REMOVE yourself from this mailing list, send an E-Mail message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (note EXACT spelling of 'ListGuru') and in the message BODY, include a line containing: UNSUB ORACLE-L (or the name of mailing list you want to be removed from). You may also send the HELP command for other information (like subscribing).