>>>to check for a duplicate code, i tried using this.setfocus in a valid method, but it doesn't seem to work.
>>>
>>>if !tableupdate()
>>> =messgebox('Duplicate code. Please reenter')
>>> this.setfocus()
>>>endif
>>>
>>>is there a better solution?
>>
>>Have you tried RETURN .F.?
>
>yes, but message "invalid entry" appears and not a kinder message "Duplicate code. Please Reenter"

Try return 0 ( a zero not an o)

This avoids the invalid entry wait window and does not let the focus shift from the control, even if you try clearing the form.

HTH