I'm calling the ShellExecute function in shell32.dll from FPW2.6 with
SW_SHOWMAXIMISED to open a .xls spreadsheet. If I call it from the
development environment, Excel opens maximised and stays in front.
When the same code is running with the .esl, Excel opens maximised and then
the Fox app immediately jumps in front of it requiring an alt+tab from the
user to switch to Excel.

Does anyone know why this is?

--
regards
Andrew Howell