Hi, if you are using open file dialog you could code this was as shown below: OpenFileDialog1.InitialDirectory = Environment.GetFolderPath(Environment.SpecialFolder.Desktop) If (OpenFileDialog1.ShowDialog()) Then Dim strFilename As String strFilename = OpenFileDialog1.FileName End If happy coding...;) Balaji

Sounds interesting, could you say more about filtering on a column, I do not have the slightest clue as how to do this. Would it be done with SQL statement or in VB.NET code? thanks, Zach

You really don't have a choice. You're going to have to rework the database code. DAO died a merciful death, what, 8 years ago...? ADO.NET is what you're going to have to use. A guide to posting questions on CodeProject[^] Dave Kreskowiak Microsoft MVP Visual Developer - Visual Basic      2006, 2007