If that's the case, then Marcia's way of dealing with it is the most sensible. If not found, pop up a messagebox asking if the user wants to add, and if yes, add it, then you can pop up another screen to add any information that is missing.

Alan

>I really want to validate on the text box. Can't enter or tab out unless the value is blank. But if the code is really valid, but just not in the table, I ant them to be able to click and add button to open the add screen. When the add is complete and that screen is closed, then be back in the text box. Entry should now be valid at this point provided they enterred the new employee correctly. I want it to go ahead and process the valid event again when they exit the text box.