>>I know that an out of process server can have a visual interface- but how could t be controlled from an outside client?
>>
>>I am not disputing as much as asking...
>>
>>In my testing, (and I could be doing something wrong here) when I specify a form as OLEPublic in a project and then compile that project as an EXE, the form is available, but any COM call to any function that gives a user interface results in the EXE receiving and not returning control, and never making itself visible.
>>
>>How is this done?
>
>I think you would have to Show the form in the .EXE as modal... This sould make your VB ap have to wait until the VFP form is closed. In theory at least... let us know if it works out.
>
>BOb

In theory, I agree. But it doesn't work out that way. Actually, the results are opposite of what you might expect, but still unpleasant.

A modeless form in the COM server causes the server to receive control and not return it...

oForm = CREATEOBJECT("Proj1.TestModal")
oForm.Show()

A modal form returns control to the calling program:

oForm = CREATEOBJECT("Proj1.TestModeLess")
oForm.Show()

The above example causes the client to hang on the last line.

I have never tried to implement a COM server with a visual interface. I'm confused. Anyone got any insight here?