Question: I've got a new varchar(10) field in a database with 1000+ records. I'd like to update the table so I can have random data in the field. I'm looking for a SQL solution.

I know I can use a cursor, but that seems inelegant.

MS-SQL 2000,BTW

Answer: 
Why not use the first 10 characters of an md5 checksum of the current timestamp and a random number?
How about this:

```
UPDATE TBL SET Field = LEFT( CONVERT(varchar(255), @myid),10)

```