>In VFP 6 when I run a form, the properties window and command window disappear. In VFP 8 this does not happen.

Right click on the title bar of the properties window and the command window und uncheck 'Dockable'

>Also in VFP 8 when I close a form focus does not return to the command window as it did in 6.

I'm not sure what you mean. Can you describe what you're doing step-by-step?