VB.Net 2002:

i have two data-entry forms derived from an inheritable class,
'frmDataEntry'.

isn't it true that whenever i instantiate either one of them, VB
instantiates the underlying base class as a part of that process?

if so, that is probably a 'clue' to why things aren't working right, but i
still don't know the exact cause of the problem...

when i attempt to open both forms simultaneously in my app, whichever one i
open _second_ doesn't initialize properly, as though it is based on the same
base class instance as the first.  (the reason i think so is:  the base
class contains some run-once code that should execute whenever any
data-entry form is opened.  it runs for the first form i open, but not for
the second.)

is this scenario setting off any mental 'warning flags' yet?  what am i
doing wrong here?

fyi:  the base class is declared public; the derived classes are declared
public; the flag controlling the run-once code is declared 'Protected' in
the base class (but a declaration of 'Private' yields the same results);
when i instantiate the forms, each has its own object variable (i.e. i am
not re-using a form variable); the only thing they have in common is they
share the same MDIParent...; i am showing them using the '.show' method...
can't think of anything else relevant, really...

help plz?! =)

as always, any insight would be much appreciated!  THANKS in advance! =)