The Windows Forms stuff is .net - hence the code looking different

hash_map is not part of the STL.  Perhaps you can get it from boost, or something ? Christian Graus - C++ MVP 'Why don't we jump on a fad that hasn't already been widely discredited ?' - Dilbert

Thanks! U made my dae. Also thanks to all others who had given their comments. :-D

Thanks for your input. the SetSel method has worked well for me. Dint investigate the WM_MOUSEACTIVATE method as using mouse position may complicated matters for me. anyway, thanks!;)