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I like #4. So does Microsoft, evidentally. In Internet Explorer, if a picture doesn't load, it puts a placeholder with an "x" in it to let you know there should be something there.
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That's a good point. I've been lurking and listening to this conversation, and I will admit that I was thinking that providing a form on which 9/10 controls initialized would confuse the user. But then again, as you point out, they are getting used to this aren't they?
And, I have seen plenty of cases where a bad release goes out, a key screen won't open, and all because of a little-used field on page 5 of the page-frame. This approach would avoid some headaches.
A native "ExcludeFailedControls" flag is now on my VFP8 wishlist!
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts. - Bertrand Russell