><<
>My general observation is that grid and filters don't like each other. If you use filters, and your filter would produce a small subset of records, and you show these records in a grid, no wonder, it would be slow.
>
>As a test, try to remove grid from the form and see, if there is difference in speed. Also, do you use go top (or locate) after SET FILTER command? You have to move record pointer...
>
>>>
>
>no, i am not using go top or locate after the set filter.
>
>after the tables are filtered, we link the tables and then call 'do form'. I'll try it without the grids.
>
>Ria

It's a must. You have to move record pointer to activate the filter. Check Help on SET FILTER command.

BTW, do you use any frameworks? I saw a Visual FoxExpress framework demonstration yesterday, search form is built in framework already.

The ideas behind this framework seems to be the right ones. At least, this framework uses n-tier methodology from the begining of its creation.

Anyway, it's not a plug, I haven't seen other frameworks yet (though I have a copy of MereMortals).