As was suggested before, calling the method in the Init() method of the form and then RETURN .F. will execute and close the form, but the form will not display to the user.

If you want to show a progress bar or someother "working" message, then call the work method in the Activate() method and then RELEASE thisform to close the form. I have done this to provide a progress bar and then automatically close the form. Be sure to set the form as MODAL to prevent other side-effects...