Bonnie,

Thanks for the prompt reply.

I tried out an experiment and found this... If the control is present directly on the form, the designer leaves it alone. But if its present in a container such as a group box or panel, it simply gets removed from the container.

The line
this.groupbox1.Controls.Add(this.myUserControl2);

is the only missing line from the InitializeComponents. this.myUserControl1 which is present directly on the form is visible and works.

Thanks and regards,
Sulak