Sorry for the bum steer. What you might return is an empty dataset (for example). Take a look at this: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnbda/html/exceptdotnet.asp and: http://www.artima.com/interfacedesign/exceptions.html which may help you decide how to implement this based on your application's purpose. Also, consider signing up for the list I mentioned previously. Cheers Ken ----- Original Message ----- From: "Les Lytollis" <leslytollis at dimensions-corporatewear.co.uk> To: <thelist at lists.evolt.org> Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2004 9:48 PM Subject: RE: [thelist] [ASP.NET] best practice error handling >If it returns a string instead of a DataSet then just use the layer.value attribute to set the layer text of your >error message and hide the dataset accordingly. > you could choose to add a repeater, or a label, > depending on what is returned (dataset or string). If my method is: public DataSet GetProductSet() {} How do I return a string? Thanks Lez Lytollis