>>>>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)??

yes. form1.all_appl (name of form, name of data control) in data source for applicable controls, but debug window says 'Expression not defined in context'. any ideas?