Looks like FoxPro doesn't recognize that part of the form has to be repainted. I would bet that you'll get desired result if you put MessageBox() after Word is closed but it's not a solution. I would try to put

Thisform.Lockscreen = .T.
Thisform.Lockscreen = .F.

>thisform.refresh() makes some of it viewable but a number of controls are still blocked. it's interesting to note that when i put "thisform.refresh" in my program (not in the form), i got the error "thisform can only be used within a method". however, when i clicked ok, the form and all the controls were completely viewable. when i placed thisform.refresh() in the form itself after running the code and closing word, only part is viewable. When i put nameofform.refresh() in the program, same thing (only part of form is viewable).
>
>BTW, I'm using VFP 8.0 SP1.
>
>maybe we're on the right track here. any other suggestions? Thanks.
>
>Paul