Thank you for your fine suggestions. Here is what I have done.

1) I am not issuing "RUN MyExe.exe" from the VFP command window. In the command window I have run the project files two ways. The command line syntaxes are DO XYZ.EXE and DO FORM MYTOPFORM.SCX. (My top-level .SCX can do without the code the project's MAIN.PRG).

In neither of these two command line launchings does the problem appear. That is, the modal form appears appropriately. However, when the .EXE is run outside of the development environment this particular modal form reaches its INIT but not its ACTIVATE. We have not noticed this issue with the project's other modal forms

I have run the .EXE from both Explorer (double-clicking) and from START --> RUN. Same results.

2) I really believe that there is one and only one .EXE. I say this because each project lives in its own directory. I launch VFP then SET PATH to the project and three other library/baseclass folders. Also, my changes such as WAIT WINDOW messages positively indicate to me the expected file has been changed and is being run. I do actively avoid multiple copies of the same file.

I'll just add that both in the project's directory's Config.fpw file and in the top level form's LOAD event SET RESOURCE is set to OFF so I rule out a goofy FOXUSER.DBF.

3) The modal form's ShowWindow property is 0.

I'm most interested in any additional ideas/thoughts.

After 5:00 this evening (Thursday, Jan. 13th) I will be out of the office until Monday AM.

Thank you all again for your kind assistance.

Spence