>>>>>can a data control be placed on one form and accessed from several others?
>>>>
>>>>Yes, as long as it is still loaded... I tried a simple test using 3 forms. I added a DAO to form1 and referred to the caption of the DAO on Form1 in Form2 and Form3. Seems OK as I thought it would be...
>>>
>>>that's what i thought, but something isn't working right. i'll let you know when i figure it out.
>>
>>Are U referencing your object properly? (ie. Form1.Data1.Caption)??
>
>probably not -- i'm relearning vb by 'immersion' w/ no one around has a life preserver. was attempting sql server view (won't easily work anyhow). if i can just get ONE record added correctly, i'll know i'm moving in the right direction... thanks for your help.

Join the club... I am also a new VBer looking for support. I will continue to check the VB board. Maybe some interest will grow over time...