I fail to see the point of using column_info to obtain all column names then using them in the select - surely that is "select *". Try to simplify the sql and code you are using to locate the problem. Start by changing the SQL to qq/select * from $table ORDER by "REF"/ and if that does not work check the $table and quoting of $table etc. Try to find the smallest uncomplicated SQL which works and the smallest change that stops it working.