SQL Count vs. Select 1

[THarteau@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Hi,
        I am writing a purge program. I need to check if the item number 
exists in 12 different files. I was going to use count to see if the item 
number is in each file, but was wondering if 'Select 1'  and check for an 
error would be a better approach.  I thought I saw something like this 
awhile ago, but cannot find it in the archives. 

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Terri Harteau
Felker Brothers Corporation
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"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path 
and leave a trail." 
Ralph Waldo Emerson

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