Alright, I'm trying to generate an ODD random number between 1 and 8.

Do While (i < 4)
            box(i) = randomObject.Next(1, 8)
            Do While (flag = 0)
                If (box(i) Mod 2 = 0) Then
                    k = 0
                    box(i) = randomObject.Next(1, 8)
                    If (box(i) = box(k + 1)) Then
                        box(i) = randomObject.Next(1, 8)
                    ElseIf (box(i) = box(k + 2)) Then
                        box(i) = randomObject.Next(1, 8)
                    ElseIf (box(i) = box(k + 3)) Then
                        box(i) = randomObject.Next(1, 8)
                    Else
                        box(i) = box(i)
                    End If

                Else
                    k = 0
                    If (box(i) = box(k + 1)) Then
                        box(i) = randomObject.Next(1, 8)
                    ElseIf (box(i) = box(k + 2)) Then
                        box(i) = randomObject.Next(1, 8)
                    ElseIf (box(i) = box(k + 3)) Then
                        box(i) = randomObject.Next(1, 8)
                    Else
                        Exit Do
                    End If
                End If

                flag = 1
            Loop
            i = i + 1
        Loop

What I'm having trouble with is that the numbers MUST be unique. So, only one 1, one 3, one 5, one 7. So I have it go through the second statements to randomize the object again if it's the same, but after it randomizes, I kind of need it to go back to the top to see if the number is even again. I've been working on this for hours and I'm a bit frustrated.

Can anyone point me in the right direction with this, please?

Rethink the problem. At least the "odd" part.

Instead of generating a number from 1 to 8 and then checking if it's odd, instead consider generating a number from 0 to 3. Multiply that number by 2 and add 1. It will always be odd.

0 -> 1
1 -> 3
2 -> 5
3 -> 7

Now all you have to worry about is the whole "one time only" bit.

Another way to do it is to skip the whole random generation thing and instead apply a random sort. Assign values of 1,3,5, and 7 and then sort on something random. That way, you do not have to worry about exclusivity or odd versus even, as you have already ensured both.

Ahh, that would make it much simpler if I just multiple the value by 2 and add 1.

Do While (i < 4)
            box(i) = ((randomObject.Next(3) * 2) + 1)
            Do While (flag = 0)
                k = 0
                If (box(i) = box(k + 1)) Then
                    box(i) = ((randomObject.Next(3) * 2) + 1)
                ElseIf (box(i) = box(k + 2)) Then
                    box(i) = ((randomObject.Next(3) * 2) + 1)
                ElseIf (box(i) = box(k + 3)) Then
                    box(i) = ((randomObject.Next(3) * 2) + 1)
                Else
                    flag = 1
                End If
            Loop
            i += 1
        Loop

I still end up getting duplicates. I need to use this method, as my professor wants it done this way, but I'm still having issues of getting duplicates. :-\ Any ideas on that?

I re-read the assignment and found I could do it the alternate way you suggested. Below is the solution I came to.

For x As Integer = 0 To 3
            temp = randomObject.Next(3)
            temp1 = box(temp)
            box(temp) = box(x)
            box(x) = temp1
        Next x

Works beautifully! Thanks! (and that definitely shortened the lines of code)

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