You could use a "SELECT COUNT(*) ..." as SQL and then add something like this to your code: Integer.Parse(sqlCommand.ExecuteScalar().ToString) Another method is to create a DataTable first (using your SQL statement above): Dim aDataTable As DataTable Dim aDbDataAdapter As DbDataAdapter sqlCommand.CommandText = sql aDbDataAdapter.SelectCommand = sqlCommand aDbDataAdapter.Fill(aDataTable) aDbDataAdapter.FillSchema(aDataTable, SchemaType.Source) aDataTable.TableName = tableName and then evaluate the Row-Count: aDataTable.Rows.Count

Regardless of the implementation; once you've selected all the numbers, there are no more to select no matter how hard you try. You need to reset.

Oops, My bad, i'd replaced the file so many times in testing I forgot to encrpypt it again :^)

Ben Magee wrote: would that work any better? Would what work? And better how? You need to show the extract of the code where the problem occurs, and the full description or text of the exception. The question above really makes almost no sense whatever, and even less in the context of your original question. Read through a few more of the posts here to get an idea of the sort of questions that get resolved quickly.

Legendary :D :D Thanks Alot :) Ben.

Ben Magee wrote: By hardware dongle do you mean memory stick? not necessarily. There are products (such as WIBU Codemeter) that use a special hardware device (nowadays usually USB) to protect your app, which gets modified obviously, in a way that is supposed to be not so easy to hack; the variable cost would be around 30 euro. for cheap software, it is possible to do it yourself e.g. based on a memory stick, as they AFAIK always contain a rather unique ID (from observation, and not guaranteed). both methods require the hardware to be present for the app to run, which is both a hard-to-copy way of protecting, AND a burden for the user. However it is much better IMO than relying on some built-in unique ID (baseboard serial number, disk serial number, MAC address, ...) as these are not always present, some can be changed easily, and users don't want licensing trouble when changing some hardware. :) Luc Pattyn :badger: :jig: :badger: Have a look at my entry for the lean-and-mean competition; please provide comments, feedback, discussion, and don’t forget to vote for it! Thank you. :jig: :badger: :jig: