there is a great deal of code but the only other code that pertains to the rows or columns is that when a user selects from a list box on a user form the selection is automatically populated into the first column and the first available row.

I re coded the sheet activate so that it activated a row above the rows used for entry and it works fine. weird. well at least i have a workaround. i will investigate the rest later i guess.

thank you very much