Hang on. I don't claim to be fluent in C, so I was keeping out of this debate, but this is well weird! As I understand it, you don't have to prototype anything in C - or shouldn't have to. The only C compiler I've ever used doesn't even SUPPORT prototypes! (And that brings it back on topic, since it was installed in 1987 on the RT PC later to become mine...) Philip. ********************************************************************** This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses. **********************************************************************