Code is as below now. This is a VFP 6.0 app.
I had a clear statement in there, part of debugging. With it gone, problem of command
buttons dissapearing seems to be gone.

Thanks again!
STeve

lcSearchKey=upper(alltrim(this.value))
lenSearch = len(lcSearchKey)
if lenSearch = 1 && the user types in characters in lower case
&& make it so the first character is always upper case
&& in the Text Entry Box
thisform.myText1.Value = lcSearchKey
endif
set exact off
if seek(lcSearchKey)
Thisform.MyList1.Value=contact.lcontact
else
ThisForm.MyList1.Value=" "
endif

set exact on
thisform.myText1.SelStart=LEN(ALLTRIM(lcSearchKey))
thisform.myText1.setFocus()