>The objects in the setup.stf files are dll libraries required by my mapping ocx for distribution. It requires some of its own dll's and some c++ and system dlls also. I think I need to register the c++ and system dll first. Can the setup.stf file be rearranged to facilitate this?

I've never tried monkeying with the .STF, so I don't know. The basic rule, is "you shouldn't have to," but beyond that, I don't know much.

How are you installing these? I mean, how are you including them in the setup wizard? There are two ways to do it in vfp6, checking the Activex/COM boxes on step 2, or checking the boxes in step 6. Do not do both, or there will be trouble. For your stuff, I would try the step 6 method, if you haven't yet.

If both methods fail, you might want to just install/register them in a post-setup executable...you can experiment by using regsrv32.prg to see what works, perhaps.