Unfortunatelly, VFP doesn't support escape codes for Input mask characters so '9' will be always interpreted as mask code. You'll have to implement one of the workaround you mentioned.

>If I want control in a textbox a entry like these : "088.123", "088.893", "088.354"
>
>I program inputmask property like that: "088.999"
>
>This limits my entry to the three last numbers.
>
>But if the fixed part have a number like txtbox.inputmask = "098.999", the user can entry: "018.555" for example, the second number is not locked becuse Foxpro think the 9 is a pattern not a fixed number.
>
>Any solution better than a container with two textboxes simulating one texboxes or program a automat in the keypress?
>
>Any manner to say foxpro than the 9 isn't a pattern, that it is a fixed part of the entry?
>
>Thanks.
>José Luis.