First, thanks for all the help!! I think I am going about this the wrong way. This exactly what I am trying to accomplish, maybe you could help me with some sample code? 1)I have an Access db with say 15,000 records 2)I have designed a form to enter,delete,edit etc records in that db. 3)The form (VBProject1) connects to the db via a Dataenvironment (MSJet3.5) 4) As a user enters a person's Id number in the ID field, I would like the app to examine all the data in the db table and if that id number already exists, have the corresponding Last name, first name, Race and sex automatically enter into the form?? and if the Id number does not exist, have the form tab to the last name control for normal data input??? ******Second question****** Never mind, if you are willing, I'll ask this question later Thanks a million DoN

Check your post on more vb help. I have left some code I beleive will get you started. Then in the form load just put this line of code in the if statement else txtlastname.setfocus This should solve your problem. Any questions just post again New Guy Sorry but I didn't notice this posted message before I responded to your other post

Don - If you like post an E-Mail address and I will send a project file with what you need, I'm having a slack day at work anyway!