to make the package the simplest way is to use the package and deploy wizard that comes with vb, it helps you detect the files you need and then you can add anymore that it didn't detect. its pretty simple to use so you shouldn't have a problem.

now as to encrypting the database, the best answer i can give you is to put user security on the database and encrypt your data..

now to encrypt your data you just need to add either a
activex encryption tool or write a encryption algorithim..
but since your new to vb your best bet is o find an activex control to do it for you... then even if your users break into the database they can't read the data because its encrypted itself and the don't have the key to decrypt it...


if you want to know where to find a control go out to cnet or lycos or anywhere that stores free file/utilities and you can probably find one in the programming section...
i put controls i write out there to benefit any other programmer who could use them.... so you don't have to pay for something you could have wrote yourself...