I take no chances when it comes to SQL Server and trailing spaces. I always use LTRIM(RTRIM(col_name))when selecting data or updating data if the field is any kind of string-holder, and I do so on left- and right-hand side comparison clauses too. Basically, anywhere I refer to a table field that is a string container, it always gets this kind of treatment. It adds overhead of course to the query but unless there is a critical timing issue (and there oughtn't be if you wrote the app right), using this "Kill 'em all let God sort 'em out" approach has never failed me.

I also always Trim() string values from ADO recordset fields to be doubly-sure. Just because I am paranoid doesn't mean I'm not right! 🙂