>>The whole idea is that you don't need to create an object (which is a class instantiation). You need to create a class. In the class definition you can overwrite the methods of the base control/ActiveXDLL/ActiveX/OCX.
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>Exactly. That's why I think I'm close. I'm trying to follow the example in help on DEFINE CLASS, and I can't get it to work. I keep getting syntax errors when I try to add an object (not mine, but a real ActiveX control)

Don't try that example. It's a little too "basic". In VFP, any ActiveX (DLL or whatever) must be used in a OleControl container. So, use the other example I told you about. It shows how to add an Excel object on a form. But it should work with any ActiveX and container.

Vlad