>>>>It runs OK after giving a couple of error messages related to nonexistent properties which are created in the form load. I am guessing that the form is "activated" before it is fully instantiated. What do you think, Gary?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Is the form running OK apart from the odd event sequence or is the form crashing?
>>>>>
>>>>>>I am running a form that descends from frmDataMangerFormCustom form the command window. For some reason, the form.Activate method is running before the form load. Why would that be?
>>>
>>>Also, any .SetFocus() will activate the form.Just put a breakpoint in the .activate and look up the call stack in the debugger, and you'll catch it.
>>
>>No SetFocus() at all. But definitely the form.activate is firing before the form.load. What could it be?
>
>Just put Set Step On in .activate and play Sherlock up the call stack. The only thing that may fire before form.load is something in the DE, so I think you'll find your suspect there.

Thanks for your answer. I placed a SET STEP ON in BeforeOpenTables and from there it jumps immediately to form.activate ! No stop anywhere else. I havent found a SetFocus anywhere in the class hierarchy. What could it be ? I am using VFP8, but the same problem occurs with VFP7. Thanks.

Alex