>>what is the file that populates the command window? I think mine is corrupt.
>
>It's _command.prg in SET("RESOURCE",1) directory.

As usual, you are right Sergey, but I guess my problem is something else.
my VFP8 is giving me the same message box... the one you get when there is a illegal read of memory... we used to call it a GPF... do you think I need to reinstall?