[Q] A simple SQL query, then why #$@&*%

I have a query that does a simple join, like SELECT e.lname, e.fname, v.vendor, v.empno, e.empno FROM employees e, visitors v WHERE e.empno = v.empno NO rows are returned. If I change the WHERE CLAUSE to WHERE e.fname=v.fname or e.lname=v.lname I get the desired results. Now, data exists, both columns are CHAR, fname and empno are CHAR(25) and CHAR(10). They are both non-indexed and allow null vlaues. The only difference is that fname is first names and empno is social security number. I know that my queries don't work if WHERE empno="600987653", but works for WHERE empno=600987653 Am I missing a simple SYNTAX. If they are both CHAR columns it should work. Call me stupid but please reply if you have any idea ;-) Thanks in advance. -- Saqib Mausoof -------------------------------------------------------------------- I have a hard enough time speaking for myself, so speaking on behalf of my employer is out of the question.