in reply to puzzling seg fault

How much RAM is in your machine? It sounds like you're running out. Anything that requires 8 million records in a hash is better done in a database. Period.

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We are the carpenters and bricklayers of the Information Age.

Then there are Damian modules.... *sigh* ... that's not about being less-lazy -- that's about being on some really good drugs -- you know, there is no spoon. - flyingmoose

I shouldn't have to say this, but any code, unless otherwise stated, is untested