I have a similar problem. This question was asked in 2008 and no one ever replied. Searching web does not find an answer either. Working backward I found that when you use a parameter "this.Text" or anything with "this" you cannot add it from the Toolbox. The control works as expected with each instance of the tool working from its own parameters. You can copy and paste it with out problem with out problem. You just cannot get it from the Toolbox. So many years of programming I have forgotten more languages than I know.