WILL SEPTEMBER 9 BE SNEAK PREVIEW OF Y2K WOES?

WILL SEPTEMBER 9 BE SNEAK PREVIEW OF Y2K WOES?

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. (Wireless Flash) -- Some computer owners may be getting a sneak preview of the Y2K glitch on September 9. The problem is that the date September 9 is represented by the numerals "999," which some computer software interprets as "end of file." According to Randy Guidry, who writes for "Y2KNews" magazine, it's possible some databases may interpret the date as a command to delete old files -- such as bank accounts and insurance claim forms. Although he doubts September 9 will have a big affect on consumers, he predicts at least 1 percent of businesses will experience some type of glitch but will keep news of the problem under wrap to avoid affecting stock prices. As a result, Guidry recommends getting hard copies of any computer documents before September 9 just in case something goes kaput.