Is there any was to run a query that does update the primary key?

Eh? Yes an update query will do this – more details required.

i get a message saying "validation rule" and i looked in the help and its says because the primary key field already has data in it, it cant be updated? thanx for ur help by the way http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/ubb/smile.gif

This might be easier if you post the SQL.

Yes - it could be that the value already exists or that it cant be changed cos it is part of a relationship. Can put show the sql?