My help file is a little temperamental, and on this question it throws a wobbly and tells me to repair it. When I repair it it asks me to repair again etc etc.

My question is I want to control entry to a field called first name. I want to ensure that a name is entered and not just initials. I think the best way to do this is disallow entries under 3 characters, however, thanks to my cranky help file I can't get the suggested method.

Try using the input mask on the fields properties to set the input requirement, if your field is 10 characters long us:

LLLCCCCCCC

If longer add the no of C's you require

(F1 in the field property to see the options)
Note: This will make the first three letters uppercase - you may not want that.

Ian