figure out 95 % of problem
because the main vfp window was not visible
my form was shown as not active
but when I had the main vfp window visible
my form was shown as active
so I put the main vfp window behind
my form and smaller
if I move form I made the main vfp move to.

the first time my form is visible its not active
but then on it is.

thanks all
Ken Paulson