Why, oh, why...

I have a simple form using one table. All the tab orders are correct. I have this in the 'activate' :

IF reccount()>0
	thisform.list1.SetFocus
ELSE
	thisform.txtclient.setfocus
ENDIF
DOEVENTS FORCE  &&added to try forcing it, but it makes no difference!

NO WAY either will receive the focus with, or without records in the table... Have done hundreds and hundreds of forms, and all work, nut not this one!
Any ideas will be maaaavlis - thanks!