This article demonstrates a method that you can use to hide the drop-down arrow on a combo box until the combo box is selected.

NOTE: This article explains a technique demonstrated in the sample files, FrmSampl.exe (for Microsoft Access for Windows 95 version 7.0) and FrmSmp97.exe (for Microsoft Access 97). For information about how to obtain these sample files, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

150895 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/150895/EN-US/) ACC95: Microsoft Access Sample Forms Available in Download Center

175066 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/175066/EN-US/) ACC97: Microsoft Access 97 Sample Forms Available in Download Center

The following steps demonstrate how to hide the drop-down arrow on a combo box when the combo box is not selected:

1.	Open the sample database Northwind.mdb (or NWIND.MDB in versions 1.x and 2.0).
2.	Open the Orders form in Design view.
3.	Add a rectangle control to the form. Size and move the rectangle control so that it completely covers the drop-down arrow on the EmployeeID combo box. NOTE: In versions 1.x and 2.0, there is a space in Employee ID.
4.	Set the Backcolor property of the rectangle to match the Backcolor property of the section and set the BackStyle property to normal.
5.	View the form in Form view. Note that the drop-down arrow on the EmployeeID combo box will only be visible when the combo box is selected.