stephen,
the form is populated by the dataenvironment, page1 (tablex), page2(tabley).

when i was looking at the txt_btn visual class, it has a method initvars that uses select() to set up the work areas, maybe i need to subclass and make changes as needed, a pain in the neck.

i dont have much experience with views but i do remember that they were somewhat limited. i will be adding and editing records primarily.
thanks
frank