The user is only allowed to make one selection. This is going to be loaded from a database that has certain parts listed. They are going to be able to select a certain part to add to a model.

When you say grid, do you mean a datagrid? I thought in VB6 that I remembered a DataCombo box control or something of the like that would perform this task (I could be wrong on what it actually does).

Yes, sorry, I meant datagrid.

I've had situations like the one you described (thousands of items, user could only select one), and I used a datagrid with either a search or incremental search.

There are a couple of variations - you could immediately pop up a grid and allow the user to sort the column and select a value, and/or you could have a textbox where someone could enter a partial entry, you could search the data table for the entry and refresh the grid accordingly.

For 'power users' who know the part code, if they enter the code such that there's only one match and/or it's a complete match, then maybe you wouldn't need to pop up a grid in that instance.

It's important to think through the UI considerations, to avoid users thinking it's still too 'cumbersome'.

I can post a code sample for you, if there's a particular direction you'd like to go.

Kevin