Hi,

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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.
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As others, I'm not sure this is the best approach. However if you want to do this you could try setting a flag in the command button WHEN and moving the textbox validation code to its LOSTFOCUS. If the flag is set then you know the user is about to click the button and can bypass the validation code.

HTH,
Viv