You can't do it the way you want. An array by definition means that every element in the array has the same properties, and only varies by value. This means each combo box needs to have the same drop down items. Now there are work arounds, like replacing the current items in a drop down with new ones as the user uses the control. So if I click on the second element I can change those items when it is clicked. I may have an example somewhere. It basically involves capturing the mouse down? event on the combo box then using that reference to set the items.