[Clyde Schechter]

I have pleaded many times on this list that StataCorp make the m:m merge option illegal.

I couldn't agree more with Robert about this. I'll just add that in the rare instance where -merge m:m- does produce the desired result, it can also be obtained with a little bit of data massaging and -merge 1:1 _n-. There is no need for -merge m:m- and it is a trap for the unwary.

Giovanni, please do not post any more data in the format you seem to favor. Use dataex, it's very easy to install. All you need to do is to type in Stata's command window:

He has, in fact, been using -dataex- in his most recent posts to this thread.

[Robert Picard]

Sorry about that, I just saw the latest post by Andrew (and looped back to #15 and #16) and did not notice the rest of the thread. Thanks Clyde for the heads up and belated thanks Giovanni for using dataex.

[Andrew Musau]

Thanks for spotting the error Robert and for the comments. I hope the continuation now solves Giovanni's problem!