>>< snip >
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I added _screen.visible = .t. to my environment setup routine and its fixed. I still don't know how it broke!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>At one time I had access to the properties window with the _SCREEN object having focus. I can't seem to get this back.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I'm thinking that I inadvertently set the VISIBLE property of the _SCREEN object to .f., and it is stored somewhere, resulting in the unexplained behaviour of my exe.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>You can get to the _screen object properties sheet by opening Properties window when there are no visual designers open.
>>>>>
>>>>>Thanks for the reply Sergey.
>>>>>
>>>>>How do I open the Properties window with no visual designers open?
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Click on the properties button on the toolbar or go to menu Window -> Properties Window.
>>>
>>>Thanks again for the reply, Sergey. I looked in vain for the properties button on the toolbar (not visible) and then found the Properties Window under the Window menu. I have subsequently found that I had to turn on the "Standard" toolbar to get the Properties button back.
>>>
>>>How can I programmatically open a specific toolbar?
>>
>>AFAIK, you cannot. However, after you open it manualy you can hide and show it.

Hide Window ( "Standard")
>>Show Window ( "Standard")

>
>Yep, knew that part. Was {hopeful} that I could instantiate them as well. {Sigh}.
>

BTW, you can open properties window programmatically.

Show Window ( "Properties")