Next test.
I backed up a bit:
Dim form_handle As Long
form_handle = Form1.hwnd
DeviceSelected = PmacSelect(form_handle)
this pops up the select pmac window. it can not detect the pmac using the vb app.
however in pewin of course it detects the pmac and i can assign it to a device number.
So this has something to do with the pcomm32.dll and how it's playing with the vb. going to keep working. if anyone has ideas...... thank you!