got it! i ended up just binding it like you suggested, had to change some of the settings in the prop window to have the focus on the last record/new record spot. put in a list box bound to a query to show the records as they get updated on gotfocus on the first text box. works well.

and yes, i do get annoyed when i have to hammer a big nail with a little screw driver. why i'm using a screw driver escapes me....but yea.

honestly though, i'm just not a big fan of access, i can see its uses, i'm just more experienced with oracle, mysql, sql server and a few more of the enterprise level DB software. so this is completely new to me. most of the people i have talked to love access because of its ease of use and lack of user written sql, and yes i know theres a button that allows you sql view to do that, but syntax is slightly different, like with outer joins being left joins, and a few other quirks.

but. i did get it, appreciate the help about the binding though. THANKS!!