If it is an access DB (sounds like it) have you tried to do a Compact and Repair? I had a similar problem and it fixed it. I also, found that I got confused because I forgot that some records had been deleted and I had Autonumber turned on and wondered why the id didn't match the total number of records returned and it was obvious.. Access remembers the last highest number to auto-increment with... anyway... try the Compact and repair.. couldn't hurt :)