okay, this problem is probably quite easily fixed with code, but as I haven't had a good look at how to code VB I don't know it, and I was hoping to be able to use macros and so on anyway to make it easier for the users to change it in the future.

now for the problem, I want to be able to perform a Query from a Form, only the users want it to be a general Query with Upto five constraints/delimiters, which are to be chosen from all of the available fields from the Tables. my idea was to provide combo boxes for them to choose the fields to delimit by, or leave them as a standard or empty box if not required. Then, when they select a field from the list, a text box or group of check boxes or something for them to either select or type in the value they want the query to search by.

this may seem a little simple to some, but I can't figure it out, and if what I've written isn't understandable please let me know and I'll see if I can clarify it.

Thankyou muchly folks,
   Ben Kennedy