You are trying to count the wrong property. The text box (and other controls) have two properties of concern:
the value property: what is currently entered
the "text" property: wht is being entered into the control.
So if you have two text boxes, "LastName" and "CharCount". In the on change event of the "LastName" text box is:
Code:
Private Sub LName_Change()
Me.CharCount = Len(Me.LName.Text)
End Sub
Enter text into the "LastName" control and the count will be displayed in the "CharCount" control.