>i tried changing my code using the Fields value instead of Bang(!) and i noticed how it slowed down the process even more, so i switched back...still i cant figure out what is slowing down my database access, it takes me about 2-3 minutes just to load a data-bound form based on my ado recordset (with a very very small number of records on it!). im using an mdi form with a number of child forms on it. the things is, everytime i load any of the child forms, i have to connect, open, retrieve the recordset over and over again (i have 3 forms that access the database, one is record view, second is record update and third is record add) so whenever i call on any of these forms, i repeat the cycle again and again! is there any way that when i declare on the parent form to connect, open and retrieve record from the recordset, the child forms will inherit it? it would make my life easier if it can be done like that!

Stock your public database variable in a standard module so that it will be available through the application. Open it at the application start.