Hi Nancy:

I think I'm doing pretty much as you outlined already...

>1. Do you mean "BoundTo" ?
** Yes, BoundTo = .F.

>4. I don't understand your implementation. What does the combo box do with regards to recycling a deleted record? Do you mean that the cbo shows the deleted records that user can pick to recall?

** Basically, I am trying to use the combobox as a picklist with no editing/adding items to the picklist allowed at the screen in question. Sorry for the confusion on recycled records -- the answer to the original question is: YES, I do add a record to the master table prior to calling the CBO. The fact that I use Recycled records is really irrevalent, I hope. As for Item-1, I can try to set BoundTo = .T., but that seems counterintuitive to me... I'll try it & let you know.

>Notes: don't use PRIVATE variables (generally, and specifically here). Use form properties instead.

** If you look again at the squished-up code, you'll see that the only private is for the return code for the valid -- which I think is an okay approach... Otherwise, absent the change to BoundTo, I'm at a loss...

Anyhow, thanx so far... If you have any other thoughts, I'd be grateful.

TIA

ROB