Clarence,

        You have the same view that I did until the light came on.  Yes, the
"retain" parameters really rule.  They are the point at which "inactive"
files become "obsolete" files.  Versioning parameters only determine when an
object becomes "inactive" - not "obsolete".  Only "obsolete" files are truly
removed from *SM.  If you want files to disappear from *SM when the
"version" parameters apply, change the "retain" values to zero.

        This is kind of a safety valve for users who misjudge file activity
and how many versions to keep.

        There is another parameter that may also have an effect on this
apparent "problem".  Look at the "define domain" syntax and you'll find that
there are parameters at the domain level (across all clients in the domain)
that also affect retention.

        Just big brother looking out for us poor dumb hicks, I guess.

        Gary L. Ison
        Governor's Office for Technology
        101 Cold Harbor Drive
        Frankfort, Ky.   40601
        Phone:  (502) 564-8724
            Fax:  (502) 564-6856
E-mail: Gary.Ison AT mail.state.ky DOT us <mailto:Gary.Ison AT mail.state.ky 
DOT us>