And make sure you're not trying to sort a file that you have previously $Null-ed.   (I think sorting of $Null files used to work pre 5.0 but now generates a similar sort of error).  

>>> Dennis Handly <[log in to unmask]> 27/03/01 07:47:03 >>>
Steve Hammond ([log in to unmask]) wrote:
: The input record does not include all key fields HPSORT message 14
: Internal SORT/MERGE error $FFF200C3 (COBERR 500)

: so the first comment of a problem with the entries in the sort file is moot.

If you are talking about message 14 above, HPSORT is finding that the
record length isn't long enough.

: the two spots mentioned refer to each other for more information

What spots?  (COBERR 500) says look at HPSORT.  HPSORT should not point
back to the COBOL manual, except to say there is something wrong with your
COBOL program?

: ... and possibly the first recompile under COBOL85
: steve

Are you using record varying or occurs depending on to control the record
size?