i've done some more testing + the only possibility is that you're referring to a default instance of your mdi child form. here's an example:
Code:
'this is the mdiParent form
Public Class Form1
Private Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
Dim frm As New Form2
frm.MdiParent = Me
frm.Show()
End Sub
End Class
Code:
'this is the mdiChild form
Public Class Form2
Public upDated As Integer = 0
Private Sub Timer1_Tick(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Timer1.Tick
If upDated = 1 Then
Button1.PerformClick()
upDated = 0
End If
End Sub
Private Sub Button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click
MsgBox("")
End Sub
Private Sub Button2_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button2.Click
Dim frm As New Form3(Me)
frm.ShowDialog()
End Sub
End Class
Code:
'this is the edit dialog
Public Class Form3
Dim ownerInstance As Form2
Public Sub New(ByVal ownerInstance As Form2)
InitializeComponent()
Me.ownerInstance = ownerInstance
End Sub
Private Sub Button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click
ownerInstance.upDated = 1
End Sub
End Class