It's not actually the "VB 2005 Express TabControl". It's the System.Windows.Forms.TabControl, which is the same no matter what version of VB you use or even what .NET language you use (VB, C#, C++, J#, Delphi, etc.).

No, the TabControl doesn't support that because there is no need for it. Just add multiple Panels and either hide and show them as needed or change their z-order so only one is showing at a time. You can create your own UserControl and place the Panels on it, then treat the whole thing as one unit if you want.