> Maybe both, depending on what "this" you mean. There are two

different

> issues here.
>

not sure i understand. can I help?

> Use a derived table.

w/derived table it works if I place the order-by clause on the inner
select, even if not correct SQL, it gives the right result and no sort
table gets created... until the optimizer will get smart enough and
inline the subselect too... then i'll make a sp and for-select the
darn thing.. u get the picture :)