Also, when data is entered in the search box that does not exist in the underlying table, it returns the dreaded run-time error '2185'. How can I get around that and perhaps have a msgbox pop up that tells my users the data entered is not found instead.

That's because you're turning a filter on. You need to turn it off when you're done with it. Personally, I don't like using filters. I prefer the Where Condition. See DoCmd.OpenForm.

If you want to have the search fields on the same form and not open another one, you can change the RecordSource property with new SQL.

Richard,

My search box is on the same form. When a user backspaces all data out of the search box, the form resets to the first entry in the table. I guess what I am trying to find out is if there is any code which when the clear button it will reset the form so that all records again become available as they do when the users backspaces the data out, currently, all it does is clears the data from the search box and nothing else. And also how to prevent the run-time error '2185' when a user enters data not present in the table.

Hi Daniel
Here is some vba from an old App Modify it as needed. HTH  Richard's Search Seminar is excellent

Details

Private Sub txtSearch_AfterUpdate()
   Dim strsearch As String
   Dim Task As String
   'Check if a keyword entered or not
   If IsNull(Me.txtSearch) Or Me.txtSearch = "" Then
   MsgBox "Please type in your search keyword.", vbOKOnly, "Keyword Needed"
   Me.txtSearch.BackColor = vbYellow
   Me.txtSearch.SetFocus
Else
   strsearch = Me.txtSearch.Value
   Task = "SELECT * FROM FindCategoryAndProjectQ WHERE ((CategoryName Like ""*" & strsearch & "*""))"
   Me.RecordSource = Task
   Me.txtSearch.BackColor = vbWhite
End If
End Sub
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