i saw a couple of mesages about using calculators by either using the activate window calculator command or using the_mst_calc. Neither one of wanted to go on top of my forms and always were hiden behind regardless of issuing a top in the activate window command. However i was able to place the RUN /N C:\Windows\CALC.EXE in my menu which calles the Microsoft calculator from the accessories menu start bar. The calculator comes on top of the form and acts as any modeless form would. I don't know if there are any problems with using this routine.

Still need some information on how to use the Activex statua bar.