jim,
thanks. i did manage to figure it out in the meantime but after the splash screen finishes, i have to use the following
code
_screen.caption = "Bulletin Board System"
_screen.windowstate = 2
_screen.closable = .F.
_screen.maxbutton = .F.
set sysmenu off
_screen.visible = .T.
do form bbsr2000_main.scx
read events

it seems i have to use the _screen.visble = .T. to get it to work. i dont really want the system menu screen up but i
cant seen to get it to work without it. anyways i've basically disabled everything excpet the forms i use to run the app.
for kicks how can i have it run my forms only without the vfp screen?

thanks
frank