Here's what I would do:

In the Load() EventHandler of the Main Form, display a second form (your splash screen) ... use it to display status messages. If there are any problems, you can Application.Exit at that point and your Main Form will never even show.

~~Bonnie



>Sorry, on both counts :)
>
>It seems odd that I can't come up with a way for the main form to be on the screen, so status messages can display there. Guess the splash screen could be an instance of the main form class, with a parameter passed to it to not do the load stuff again. Hmmm.
>
>>Yes, I was in the process of replying to that post (you made me feel guilty for not answering it ... <g>). I was about to suggest throwing up a splash screen first, so see ... you've answered another one of your own questions. STOP THAT!! <g>
>>
>>~~Bonnie
>>