I realize you have a genealogy demo, but I've already developed a simple database with a single Person table where each PersonID record has a field with PaternalID and MaternalID.  When I try to build a self join query, it works fine until I add the 7th person to the great great grandparent level, I get the error "cannot open any more databases", which I assume means I've got too many connections open? ? ? I need a chart that goes great-great-great grandparent (person + 5 levels) Any help would be appreciated. . .this is my first post, so I don't see where to add a screenshot of my query that works up to a point. . .

See THIS, same problem.

This is turning into postception...

That's an interesting conundrum. I've never run into that myself. My genealogy database only shows 4 levels of the family at any given time. You, your parents, your grandparents, and your children in a list box. You're definitely running into an issue with too many joins in one table. Plus the total SQL statement behind that graphical editor also has a limit too. It's pretty long (64k, I think) but you might be running into it. There may be a better way to design that, however. What's the OUTCOME that you're looking for? What are you doing with that monster query?

This is a registry for Exotic Wildlife Species . . . I need to produce a Registry Certificate showing parentage that many levels deep. . .my report that shows 3 levels works fine, but when I try to increase the levels to 5, I exceed the thresholds . . .attached is a sample, but the data is bogus and duplicates, not valid levels of ancestry . . .

OK. I see. Instead of making a giant query with a ton of joins, use a report with DLookup statements in it. That might work better. That's pretty much how I show how to do it in the Genealogy Seminar, but I don't go into as much detail as you do. So yes, I'd say that if you used my technique, you wouldn't have any problem going 5 levels deep.

OK  . . . Thanks