Thanks for the idea Jim, you have set me on the correct path.

Regards,
Carmen
>>Thanks I will incorporate the return .f.
>>
>>Carmen
>
>Carmen,
>
>If you return .F. from the textbox's Valid the user won't be able to exit the form unless they enter a good order number. You could simply add a Proeprty to your form, perhaps named GoodOrdNum. Then in the Valid of the order number textbox you put Thisform.GoodOrdNum = .T. or .F. accordingly. In the WHEN of all controls except the Cancel button you put Thisform.GoodOrdNum and you're done. The textbox wonj't prevent them from using the Exit or Cancel button and no other control will accept focus until the order number is validated by the textbox.