Yep, 272, the value returned from GetRectClient() does correctly account for the scrollbar's presence/absence. Why other people are using GetSystemMetrics(SM_CYBORDER) along with GetSystemMetrics(SM_CYHSCROLL)is beyond me. Using dc.FillSolidRect was a good suggestion and helped me to determine what was going on. Thanks again.

Yes, it does matter for me. I'd create them immediately where they are used, but also exactly where "main" pointers to them are stored (i.e. those pointers you use to delete recordsets; it's important as this must be done only once and preferably in a function called from the destructor of your CDatabase or CFormView object). The worst thing to do IMHO is to split the code that works with these recordset objects into several parts based in different classes. Chances are all hell will break loose upon you when: a) execution flow comes to destruction and oops you overlook a leak or delete objects twice or whatever else... b) the program swells in size and soon you are no longer able to track down all activities associated with recordsets. Keep it simple. In the end it's much better to misplace pointers but code consistently keeping in mind this architecture than to make a correct design decision (if there is one) but implement it inconsistently or in a sophisticated manner.

Hi David, I did it once and my eyes kind of glazed over. So I did it again and it makes sense now. InitialUpdateFrame was being called in the code that switched the views and this then makes each view call OnInitialUpdate. Thanks

Thanks for your patience and thoughtful comments. Jay

Okay I created a dialog based app and the GetParent function works as advertised. So now we know that the problem is more likely a conceptual one. The mainApp dialog is a popup and the CDialog derived modeless dialog is also a popup. Code is exactly the same as the problem project. In the problem project example I couldn't get to work I had an MDI application that had a CFormView derived class. It was a child. That child had a button when pressed would create the CDialog derived class modeless dialog. The CDialog derived class was set as PopUp. So can't a child spawn a modeless dialog (works) and can't that dialog in turn know it's spawning entity as Parent (GetParent). I won't mention anything about child as it was demonstrated to me by David that a modeless dialog shouldn't have a child style. I agree. I think this is important because these are pretty basic concepts. Thanks for your help.

I believe those messages are being captured when you derive a class from another class. So would the real difference be that using the derivation method you are able to add your own functions and implementation rather than just capture messages using the SubClassWindow function?

Was successful in mapping an accelerator key to some code that put the focus to a control that had tabstop set to false. It wasn't working originally because I was using a dialog app that probably didn't have the accelerator table attached. Curious if there are other solutions. This seems to work pretty well though.

This can get weird fast with the command buttons. If you make a group of command buttons, you can change the focus with the arrow keys, but I am pretty sure the default button is only changed with the TAB key. The SpaceBar will activate the button that has the focus, but the ENTER key will activate the button that is the default button.

And by stating the MSDN position you have answered the why! Thanks, that's all I wanted. Now I know not to do it and am richer for having asked. If I had known MSDN's position, which I was not able to locate in any of the help, I never would have asked in the first place. "One does not have to get burned to actually learn that fire is hot. Otherwise we would all be dead" mx483

Thanks, but no menus involved. Just the form view calling a modal child dialog via a button and the form view call a modeless child dialog via another button.

Perfect! Thanks a bunch. It was a conceptual question. I have no reason to use a string but thought I should at least understand the concept. Thank you.