since you're using mysql 4.1, after you've run a query that has warnings, you can issue a command: SHOW WARNINGS;
That will show you any warning generated in the previous query.
Oh, awesome. thanks. I sure wish I had a book on mySQL 4.1. The two books I have about SQL, actually present the information as if you were using Oracle. Having a mySQL book would be very beneficial, instead of trying to determine every time, if something will work in mySQL, or if it's an Oracle thing.
well, all you really need is the searchable docs: http://www.mysql.com/doc/en/index.html