_ifmt needs a buffer of at least 88 characters. here's my calculation %b is the worst case, and the largest integer is 64 bits. at 1 char per bit, this is 64 characters. if %,b is used, we need 64/3 = 21 characters for the commas. %#,b requires two more characters. one addn'l character is required for %#+,b. so this makes 64 + 21 + 2 + 1 = 88 characters. - erik