Good questions...
The form already has a subform. Both the form and the subform are continuous forms. So the need for space is important.
The search form is larger than just the combo, as it also has six options to select from. i.e.:Search by First Name
Search by Last Name
Find all Incomplete Records
etc..
Selecting the option allows the user to locate a list of records. The incomplete records one is where a cycle through records effect becomes helpful, though they could also go back to the search and get the next one.
Since it is on a different form, closing it after populating the record just makes sense - gets it out of the way.
Thanks
GaryJ

Originally Posted by
OBP
Gary, I have to ask this question, Why?
Why have a separate search form?
Why close it?
Why not take advantage of a subform?
Why do you need to increment the records either up or down?
Why not have the search combo on the display form etc