I haven not check this in VFP 6.
I have a textbox:
Format=R
InputMask=!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! && 24
MaxLength=24
Value=(None)

I placed a click in the box(es) that:
MESSAGEBOX(transform(len(this.value)))

When I click the box, sometimes it says length is 0, and at others, it says 24. The box is cleared with a null (""). The only way the box will consistently report a length of 24 is when it is cleared with SPACE(24) or a space(1) [or when the first character of the entry is made]. I can live with this, but am hoping that there might be a way assure the empty box reports its specified length without pushing data into it.

PS: Access to the box is controlled by a when method that requires earlier boxes to be populated with data.

Any come-backs appreciated!
Terry