I think the problem is with the concept that data entered by hand must be add onto the array of the drop list otherwise the value will not be displayed when exiting the combobox.

It would be really nice if the data entered by hand could be saved to the underlying field without having to write code and the value having to be in the array. Almost like a textbox does but with a droplist combined. Maybe i should write a class combining a droplist and a textbox and put that into the column.

Sorry nadya for the caps it was not out of desperation only in the swing of the moment

thanks for all the replies this will help a lot