>> Usually, you build executable from project manager.
>
>yes, this is how i built it. now, i have another problem. i am using a form as my main file and since it is modeless if starts up and closes right back down again. do i need to use a program for the main file?

Yes, you may better start your app with Main.Prg and use READ EVENTS there:
***Main.Prg (oversimplified :)
do header && some settings here
do mainmenu mpr && start main menu, 'Quit' option contains CLEAR EVENTS
do mainform && start main form
READ EVENTS
do footer && some cleaning here
Return