I cannot get FMP to allow me to change the access to anything on any groups or any passwords. When I click on the group the layouts and fields darken, but then I click on a layout to limit it and the whole row becomes grayed. I have used the original password and the current master password to no avail. I am perplexed and frustrated. I think I need an in depth tutorial on groups, passwords and limiting access to certain layouts. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Firstly, you need to define more than one password. One of the passwords MUST have access to the entire file (FMP will warn you anyway).

In the Groups dialog create the groups you need. Select a group then click on Access. In the Access dialog, select the group in the left hand column, then select the password you want it to be associated with (note that the password that accesses the entire file is selected for all groups -- this might be causing you problems) and the fields and layouts to access.