My parents B2-Visitor, 'Application Recieved' marked in old Passport

[h2b]

Hi,

Can someone please help me with below query.

My parents applied for B2 visa in 2000 and it did NOT get thru and they got a stamp in Passport last page saying: 'Application Recieved'.
Next year they again applied for same category visa and got approved. Now the visa is expired, and they want to again get a new one in same category.

So, do they need to select 'Visa Rejected in past' in DS-160 this time around? Does 'Application Recieved' qualify as rejection (there is no rejection stamp on the old Passport elsewhere)?

USCIS does keep information in database about the the past, so what should be the best way to show that in DS-160 or should it even be reported?

Note: All applications were/are done in India

Quick reply is appreciated, thanks!

[peace999]

Be truthful. Even if it was an " application received ' stamp , it was a rejection because that is how they stamp denials.
the penalty of getting caught with a lie is heavy; it will mean they will never get a B1/B2 again.
While one denial in the past is a minor thing for a new application as it is seen in a new light.

[h2b]

Thanks

Thanks a lot for your reply. It helps.

Thanks!