Join multiple tables

To set the record I am using On-Line and ISQL with perform and ace for updating tables and reporting. My problem is getting data from multiple tables by doing a query on one and then joining with others using data from the first. I need to be able to do this both with forms and reports. Part of the problem is that I am trying to go backwards from the way the db is actually designed. Example: Three tables- container - this table contains one entry for each container in the system. Unique Key container ID. This table is updated using forms both as a single table update, updates of other tables, and automatically from a third party SQLserver. history - this table contains the same columns as the container table but does not have a unique key. ie-it can have multiple entries for the same container. A row is added to this table using a trigger that is executed when a column, dumped_date is updated. manifest - this table is as the name indicates, a table that contains information about a shipment - including the ID of one(1) to four(4) containers included in the shipment. This table has a unique key which is the manifest ID. The form used to enter this data changes tables and updates the container table. My problem is that I would like to be able to enter a mainifest ID and then combine data from the manifest, container, and history tables to make a report or update a column in the correct row of the container or history tables. I have tried several things with limited success. Example: In ACE report entering mani_id select manifest.manifest_id, cont1_id, cont2_id, cont3_id, cont4_id, container_id from manifest, container where manifest.manifest_id = $mani_id and cont1_id = container_id and container.manifest_id = $mani_id This works fine for the first container but when I add - or cont2_id = container_id and container.manifest_id = $mani_id I get every container in the container table in my report. Also using the history table in the scheme of things causes even more problems. I have also tried using a query only on the manifest and a sub query in the where section with basically the same results. Can't see how a UNION claues would help. The example is for only the ACE report but I need to do same type of select in a form to set indicators in the correct container and/or history tables. Any suggestions anyone??? At this point we do not have ESQL-C but will some time after the first of the year. In the mean time I need to use what I have. -------------------- ***** JBT ***** ------------------ J. B. Taylor (jbtaylor@lanmail.rmc.com) Reynolds Metals Company Manufacturing Technology Laboratory 3326 East 2nd Street Muscle Shoals, AL 35661-1258 FAX: 205-386-9656 Voice: 205-386-9658 -------------------------------------------------------