It sound like you don't have include file in your form. Double check and if it's there, try to recompile this form.

>This works from the command window.
>

>#DEFINE DV _vfp.startmode=0
>if DV
>  ? 'Works'
>endif
>

>why doesn't this work?
>

>file myInclude.h
>#DEFINE DV _vfp.startmode=0
>
>myForm
>  include file: myInclude.h
>
>myForm.Init()
>  if DV                         << triggers error "variable 'DV' not found"
>    .....
>  endif
>