my sql text query

hi, i'm currently writing an e-commerse site using php for the shopping cart stuff and mysql as the db. i've got a text filed of type text that holds descriptions for the items but only need to display it if a description exists, so many of the fields are null. the field was added to the table when the table was already populated and when try to read it i get errors saying the index is not defined ... if i change it to varchar(255) there is no problem ? can anyone help ? Steve Brett Internal Development EMIS Ltd. "Privileged and /or Confidential information may be contained in this message. If you are not the original addressee indicated in this message (or responsible for delivery of the message to such person), you may not copy or deliver this message to anyone. In such case, please delete this message, and notify us immediately. Opinions, conclusions and other information expressed in this message are not given or endorsed by my firm or employer unless otherwise indicated by an authorised representative independently of this message." Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Registered in England. No 2117205. Registered Office: Park House Mews, 77 Back Lane, Off Broadway, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4RF