>>>>>>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...

i think i've got it -- the data control object 'owns' a recordset object. i was referencing everything wrong because i didn't know i could say DcMyData.Recordset.AddNew still can't find any documentation about this use, but it works.