ColinM,
TOP N is mentioned in SQL BOL but only in the syntax of the "Select Into" clause.
Are you executing the "Select Top N ..." query in SQL Query Analyzer or from another client such as VB, ASP or Access? If you are executing the "select top n" query from one of those clients, then the data interface you use may process the "Top N" clause. Meanwhile, executing directly in SQL server via Query Analyzer produces syntax errors.
That is just a thought. I need to experiment with it to determine the true situation. If you have a "Top N" query that does execute in Query Analyzer could you post it so I can review the complete syntax?
Thanks, Terry
;-) "When I hear somebody sigh, 'life is hard', I am always tempted to ask, 'compared to what'?" - Sydney Harris