When I write an application which is delivered as an exe, the VFP main
window opens, followed by the main window for my application, which runs
as a top-level form. If you then minimize the top-level form, the VFP
window shows a (non-functioning) copy of the form. If you minimize the
VFP window, then return it to normal, it is transparent (the copy has
disappeared).

I tried setting _screen.windowstate to 1, to minimize the window before
the users could see it (otherwise it is EXTREMELY confusing for users).
This works, but you see an annoying flash as the window is created, then
minimized. And, of course, you have the icon for VFP on the Windows task
bar (total of 2 icons show when application is running).

Is there any way to suppress the VFP screen entirely or otherwise elimin-
ate the flashing (and the entry on the task bar)? Note: The reason I
am using a top-level form is that if I run in the main VFP window, the
close box in the top right corner is the VFP close box and clicking it
gives the "cannot quit VFP" message. I want that box to close the
application like most Windows applications.

I have to set the windowstate property in the top-level forms activate
event, because putting it earlier than that causes the whole application
to run minimized.

I also tried setting _screen.visible = .f. in the main program of the
application. This works, but causes the annoying flashing to occur
not only on start up, but also on shut down.

What can I do to eliminate the icon for VFP, eliminate the flashing, and
use the close button on the top-level screen or is having one or more of
these problems a compromise caused by the nature of FoxPro?