I need a drop-down menu choice as criteria to run a query by (for example, I need a specific customer name from over 25 customers). I need to mistake-proof the query and for ease of use...any thoughts on how to do this?

I already have the query set and can set simple criteria like "enter customer name". What I am trying to get away from is the user entering in a partial name or a mis-spelling and the query not find any entry...thanks!!!

Use a combo box which displays your customers names and set the query criteria to reference the combo.
HTH