diff --git a/docs/gtk/install.txt b/docs/gtk/install.txt
index cbc7f33ed8..091e743a96 100644
--- a/docs/gtk/install.txt
+++ b/docs/gtk/install.txt
@@ -27,6 +27,15 @@ make install
 ldconfig
 exit
 
+You may also want to try to edit the wrongly created libtool script
+in your build directory, if you need shared libraries on Unix. The
+wrong entries are something like
+  archive_cmds="\$LD -shared ....
+  archive_expsym_cmds="\$LD -shared ....
+which should be something like
+  archive_cmds="\$CC -shared ....
+  archive_expsym_cmds="\$CC -shared ....
+
 If you want to remove wxWindows on Unix you can do this:
 
 su <type root password>
diff --git a/docs/gtk/readme.txt b/docs/gtk/readme.txt
index 3d7eeeebef..4cb90c7518 100644
--- a/docs/gtk/readme.txt
+++ b/docs/gtk/readme.txt
@@ -26,7 +26,8 @@ at Julian Smart's homepage at:
   
 Information on how to install can be found in the file 
 INSTALL.txt, but if you cannot wait, this should work on
-many systems (when using GTK 1.0 read the INSTALL.txt):
+many systems (when using GTK 1.0 or when not using Linux
+read the INSTALL.txt):
 
 ./configure
 make
diff --git a/docs/motif2/install.txt b/docs/motif2/install.txt
index fce5b02109..ecd1befffd 100644
--- a/docs/motif2/install.txt
+++ b/docs/motif2/install.txt
@@ -16,6 +16,26 @@ make install
 ldconfig
 exit
 
+On all other Unices (maybe except *BSD), shared libraries are not supported
+out of the box due to the utter stupidity of libtool, so you'll have to do
+this instead:
+
+./configure --enable-static --disable-shared
+make
+su <type root password>
+make install
+ldconfig
+exit
+
+You may also want to try to edit the wrongly created libtool script
+in your build directory, if you need shared libraries on Unix. The
+wrong entries are something like
+  archive_cmds="\$LD -shared ....
+  archive_expsym_cmds="\$LD -shared ....
+which should be something like
+  archive_cmds="\$CC -shared ....
+  archive_expsym_cmds="\$CC -shared ....
+
 If you want to remove wxWindows on Unix you can do this:
 
 su <type root password>
diff --git a/include/wx/gtk/window.h b/include/wx/gtk/window.h
index fbbc2b18c1..63d0569d6f 100644
--- a/include/wx/gtk/window.h
+++ b/include/wx/gtk/window.h
@@ -120,9 +120,8 @@ public:
     /* For compatibility across platforms (not in event table) */
     void OnIdle(wxIdleEvent& WXUNUSED(event)) {};
 
-    /* used by all classes in the widget creation process */
-    void PreCreation( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxPoint &pos,
-            const wxSize &size, long style, const wxString &name );
+    /* used by all window classes in the widget creation process */
+    bool PreCreation( wxWindow *parent, const wxPoint &pos, const wxSize &size );
     void PostCreation();
 
     /* internal addition of child windows. differs from class
diff --git a/include/wx/gtk1/window.h b/include/wx/gtk1/window.h
index fbbc2b18c1..63d0569d6f 100644
--- a/include/wx/gtk1/window.h
+++ b/include/wx/gtk1/window.h
@@ -120,9 +120,8 @@ public:
     /* For compatibility across platforms (not in event table) */
     void OnIdle(wxIdleEvent& WXUNUSED(event)) {};
 
-    /* used by all classes in the widget creation process */
-    void PreCreation( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxPoint &pos,
-            const wxSize &size, long style, const wxString &name );
+    /* used by all window classes in the widget creation process */
+    bool PreCreation( wxWindow *parent, const wxPoint &pos, const wxSize &size );
     void PostCreation();
 
     /* internal addition of child windows. differs from class
diff --git a/include/wx/html/htmlcell.h b/include/wx/html/htmlcell.h
index 23293c93b0..87a3e040d7 100644
--- a/include/wx/html/htmlcell.h
+++ b/include/wx/html/htmlcell.h
@@ -12,16 +12,16 @@
 #define __HTMLCELL_H__
 
 #ifdef __GNUG__
-#pragma interface
+#pragma interface "htmlcell.h"
 #endif
 
 #include "wx/defs.h"
+
 #if wxUSE_HTML
 
-
-#include <wx/html/htmltag.h>
-#include <wx/html/htmldefs.h>
-#include <wx/window.h>
+#include "wx/html/htmltag.h"
+#include "wx/html/htmldefs.h"
+#include "wx/window.h"
 
 class wxHtmlCell;
 class wxHtmlContainerCell;
diff --git a/include/wx/html/htmldefs.h b/include/wx/html/htmldefs.h
index 9db261d089..955b4456fd 100644
--- a/include/wx/html/htmldefs.h
+++ b/include/wx/html/htmldefs.h
@@ -11,8 +11,8 @@
 #define __HTMLDEFS_H__
 
 #include "wx/defs.h"
-#if wxUSE_HTML
 
+#if wxUSE_HTML
 
 //--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // ALIGNMENTS
diff --git a/include/wx/html/htmlfilter.h b/include/wx/html/htmlfilter.h
index 19c31b9209..100b31d8b5 100644
--- a/include/wx/html/htmlfilter.h
+++ b/include/wx/html/htmlfilter.h
@@ -11,13 +11,14 @@
 #define __HTMLFILTER_H__
 
 #ifdef __GNUG__
-#pragma interface
+#pragma interface "htmlfilter.h"
 #endif
 
 #include "wx/defs.h"
+
 #if wxUSE_HTML
 
-#include <wx/filesys.h>
+#include "wx/filesys.h"
 
 
 //--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/include/wx/html/htmlhelp.h b/include/wx/html/htmlhelp.h
index 6e56bc5815..509e363c67 100644
--- a/include/wx/html/htmlhelp.h
+++ b/include/wx/html/htmlhelp.h
@@ -11,18 +11,19 @@
 #define __HTMLHELP_H__
 
 #ifdef __GNUG__
-#pragma interface
+#pragma interface "htmlhelp.h"
 #endif
 
 #include "wx/defs.h"
+
 #if wxUSE_HTML
 
-#include <wx/window.h>
-#include <wx/config.h>
-#include <wx/splitter.h>
-#include <wx/notebook.h>
-#include <wx/listctrl.h>
-#include <wx/html/htmlwin.h>
+#include "wx/window.h"
+#include "wx/config.h"
+#include "wx/splitter.h"
+#include "wx/notebook.h"
+#include "wx/listctrl.h"
+#include "wx/html/htmlwin.h"
 
 
 
diff --git a/src/gtk/bmpbuttn.cpp b/src/gtk/bmpbuttn.cpp
index 7bfc477e35..71975f8af9 100644
--- a/src/gtk/bmpbuttn.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/bmpbuttn.cpp
@@ -118,13 +118,12 @@ bool wxBitmapButton::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxBitmap &bi
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
   
-    wxSize newSize = size;
-
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, newSize, style, name );
-  
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxBitmapButton creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_bitmap   = bitmap;
     m_disabled = bitmap;
@@ -142,6 +141,8 @@ bool wxBitmapButton::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxBitmap &bi
 
     if (m_bitmap.Ok())
     {
+        wxSize newSize = size;
+
         GdkBitmap *mask = (GdkBitmap *) NULL;
         if (m_bitmap.GetMask()) mask = m_bitmap.GetMask()->GetBitmap();
         GtkWidget *pixmap = gtk_pixmap_new( m_bitmap.GetPixmap(), mask );
diff --git a/src/gtk/button.cpp b/src/gtk/button.cpp
index ad9b36f8da..dc7dd01c59 100644
--- a/src/gtk/button.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/button.cpp
@@ -75,13 +75,13 @@ bool wxButton::Create(  wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString &label,
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
 
-    wxSize newSize = size;
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxButton creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, newSize, style, name );
-  
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif // wxUSE_VALIDATORS
 
     m_widget = gtk_button_new_with_label( "" );
     
@@ -92,6 +92,7 @@ bool wxButton::Create(  wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString &label,
 
     SetLabel(label);
 
+    wxSize newSize = size;
     if (newSize.x == -1) newSize.x = 15+gdk_string_measure( m_widget->style->font, label.mbc_str() );
     if (newSize.y == -1) newSize.y = 26;
     SetSize( newSize.x, newSize.y );
diff --git a/src/gtk/checkbox.cpp b/src/gtk/checkbox.cpp
index 75cf233c65..af1d2592c3 100644
--- a/src/gtk/checkbox.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/checkbox.cpp
@@ -72,11 +72,12 @@ bool wxCheckBox::Create(wxWindow *parent,
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxCheckBox creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     wxControl::SetLabel( label );
 
diff --git a/src/gtk/choice.cpp b/src/gtk/choice.cpp
index f8801312bd..ae4a6e9fce 100644
--- a/src/gtk/choice.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/choice.cpp
@@ -38,7 +38,8 @@ extern bool   g_blockEventsOnDrag;
 
 static void gtk_choice_clicked_callback( GtkWidget *WXUNUSED(widget), wxChoice *choice )
 {
-    if (g_isIdle) wxapp_install_idle_handler();
+    if (g_isIdle) 
+      wxapp_install_idle_handler();
 
     if (!choice->m_hasVMT) return;
 
@@ -71,11 +72,12 @@ bool wxChoice::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
 #endif
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxChoice creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_widget = gtk_option_menu_new();
 
diff --git a/src/gtk/combobox.cpp b/src/gtk/combobox.cpp
index 102ce9b224..da4657688f 100644
--- a/src/gtk/combobox.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/combobox.cpp
@@ -101,11 +101,12 @@ bool wxComboBox::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString& value,
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxComboBox creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_widget = gtk_combo_new();
 
diff --git a/src/gtk/cursor.cpp b/src/gtk/cursor.cpp
index 9335e8c837..4876e3f8d3 100644
--- a/src/gtk/cursor.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/cursor.cpp
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@
 #endif
 
 #include "wx/cursor.h"
+#include "wx/utils.h"
 
 #include "gdk/gdk.h"
 
@@ -170,6 +171,8 @@ void wxBeginBusyCursor( wxCursor *WXUNUSED(cursor) )
     gs_savedCursor = g_globalCursor;
     
     wxSetCursor( wxCursor(wxCURSOR_WATCH) );
+    
+    wxYield();
 }
 
 bool wxIsBusy()
diff --git a/src/gtk/dialog.cpp b/src/gtk/dialog.cpp
index fe199dd6de..bed7d500ff 100644
--- a/src/gtk/dialog.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/dialog.cpp
@@ -248,7 +248,12 @@ bool wxDialog::Create( wxWindow *parent,
 
     m_needParent = FALSE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxDialog creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_insertCallback = (wxInsertChildFunction) wxInsertChildInDialog;
     
diff --git a/src/gtk/filedlg.cpp b/src/gtk/filedlg.cpp
index 086a593ef5..f2c2c99011 100644
--- a/src/gtk/filedlg.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/filedlg.cpp
@@ -116,7 +116,13 @@ wxFileDialog::wxFileDialog( wxWindow *parent, const wxString& message,
 {
     m_needParent = FALSE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, -1, pos, wxDefaultSize, style | wxDIALOG_MODAL, "filedialog" );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, wxDefaultSize ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, -1, pos, wxDefaultSize, style | wxDIALOG_MODAL, wxDefaultValidator, _T("filedialog") ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxXX creation failed") );
+	return;
+    }
+    
     m_message = message;
     m_path = _T("");
     m_fileName = defaultFileName;
diff --git a/src/gtk/frame.cpp b/src/gtk/frame.cpp
index c0ebd7fe34..78247575e7 100644
--- a/src/gtk/frame.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/frame.cpp
@@ -224,7 +224,6 @@ gtk_frame_realized_callback( GtkWidget *widget, wxFrame *win )
        decor |= GDK_DECOR_RESIZEH;
     }
 
-
     gdk_window_set_decorations( win->m_widget->window, (GdkWMDecoration)decor);
     gdk_window_set_functions( win->m_widget->window, (GdkWMFunction)func);
 
@@ -361,7 +360,12 @@ bool wxFrame::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString &title,
 
     m_needParent = FALSE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxFrame creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_title = title;
 
diff --git a/src/gtk/gauge.cpp b/src/gtk/gauge.cpp
index e176cbe194..35d9ad6f37 100644
--- a/src/gtk/gauge.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/gauge.cpp
@@ -28,59 +28,60 @@ bool wxGauge::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,  int range,
     const wxPoint& pos, const wxSize& size,
     long style, const wxValidator& validator, const wxString& name )
 {
-  m_needParent = TRUE;
+    m_needParent = TRUE;
   
-  PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-  
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxGauge creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
-  m_rangeMax = range;
-  m_gaugePos = 0;
-  m_useProgressBar = TRUE;
+    m_rangeMax = range;
+    m_gaugePos = 0;
+    m_useProgressBar = TRUE;
   
-  m_widget = gtk_progress_bar_new();
+    m_widget = gtk_progress_bar_new();
   
-  m_parent->DoAddChild( this );
+    m_parent->DoAddChild( this );
   
-  PostCreation();
+    PostCreation();
   
-  Show( TRUE );
+    Show( TRUE );
     
-  return TRUE;
+    return TRUE;
 }
 
 void wxGauge::SetRange( int r )
 {
-  m_rangeMax = r;
-  if (m_gaugePos > m_rangeMax) m_gaugePos = m_rangeMax;
+    m_rangeMax = r;
+    if (m_gaugePos > m_rangeMax) m_gaugePos = m_rangeMax;
   
-  gtk_progress_bar_update( GTK_PROGRESS_BAR(m_widget), ((float)m_gaugePos)/m_rangeMax );
+    gtk_progress_bar_update( GTK_PROGRESS_BAR(m_widget), ((float)m_gaugePos)/m_rangeMax );
 }
 
 void wxGauge::SetValue( int pos )
 {
-  m_gaugePos = pos;
-  if (m_gaugePos > m_rangeMax) m_gaugePos = m_rangeMax;
+    m_gaugePos = pos;
+    if (m_gaugePos > m_rangeMax) m_gaugePos = m_rangeMax;
   
-  gtk_progress_bar_update( GTK_PROGRESS_BAR(m_widget), ((float)m_gaugePos)/m_rangeMax );
+    gtk_progress_bar_update( GTK_PROGRESS_BAR(m_widget), ((float)m_gaugePos)/m_rangeMax );
 }
 
-int wxGauge::GetRange(void) const
+int wxGauge::GetRange() const
 {
-  return m_rangeMax;
+    return m_rangeMax;
 }
 
-int wxGauge::GetValue(void) const
+int wxGauge::GetValue() const
 {
-  return m_gaugePos;
+    return m_gaugePos;
 }
 
 void wxGauge::ApplyWidgetStyle()
 {
-  SetWidgetStyle();
-  gtk_widget_set_style( m_widget, m_widgetStyle );
+    SetWidgetStyle();
+    gtk_widget_set_style( m_widget, m_widgetStyle );
 }
 
 #endif
diff --git a/src/gtk/listbox.cpp b/src/gtk/listbox.cpp
index 0b62dcb261..d99c53a4b5 100644
--- a/src/gtk/listbox.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/listbox.cpp
@@ -244,11 +244,12 @@ bool wxListBox::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxListBox creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_widget = gtk_scrolled_window_new( (GtkAdjustment*) NULL, (GtkAdjustment*) NULL );
     if (style & wxLB_ALWAYS_SB)
diff --git a/src/gtk/mdi.cpp b/src/gtk/mdi.cpp
index 13c558712a..0b98599d59 100644
--- a/src/gtk/mdi.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/mdi.cpp
@@ -409,7 +409,12 @@ bool wxMDIClientWindow::CreateClient( wxMDIParentFrame *parent, long style )
 
     m_insertCallback = (wxInsertChildFunction)wxInsertChildInMDI;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, -1, wxPoint(10,10), wxSize(100,100), style, "wxMDIClientWindow" );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, -1, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, style, wxDefaultValidator, _T("wxMDIClientWindow") ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxMDIClientWindow creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_widget = gtk_notebook_new();
 
diff --git a/src/gtk/menu.cpp b/src/gtk/menu.cpp
index 64c2b57e44..b41ead44f4 100644
--- a/src/gtk/menu.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/menu.cpp
@@ -39,7 +39,12 @@ wxMenuBar::wxMenuBar( long style )
     m_needParent = FALSE;
     m_style = style;
 
-    PreCreation( (wxWindow *) NULL, -1, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, style, "menu" );
+    if (!PreCreation( (wxWindow*) NULL, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize ) ||
+        !CreateBase( (wxWindow*) NULL, -1, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, style, wxDefaultValidator, _T("menubar") ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxMenuBar creation failed") );
+	return;
+    }
 
     m_menus.DeleteContents( TRUE );
 
@@ -72,8 +77,13 @@ wxMenuBar::wxMenuBar()
     m_needParent = FALSE;
     m_style = 0;
 
-    PreCreation( (wxWindow *) NULL, -1, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, 0, "menu" );
-
+    if (!PreCreation( (wxWindow*) NULL, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize ) ||
+        !CreateBase( (wxWindow*) NULL, -1, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, 0, wxDefaultValidator, _T("menubar") ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxMenuBar creation failed") );
+	return;
+    }
+    
     m_menus.DeleteContents( TRUE );
 
     /* GTK 1.2.0 doesn't have gtk_item_factory_get_item(), but GTK 1.2.1 has. */
diff --git a/src/gtk/minifram.cpp b/src/gtk/minifram.cpp
index ee93f8546c..9da9393c89 100644
--- a/src/gtk/minifram.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/minifram.cpp
@@ -163,6 +163,8 @@ static gint gtk_window_button_press_callback( GtkWidget *widget, GdkEventButton
 
     if (win->m_isDragging) return TRUE;
 
+    gdk_window_raise( win->m_widget->window );
+    
     gdk_pointer_grab( widget->window, FALSE,
                       (GdkEventMask)
                          (GDK_BUTTON_PRESS_MASK |
diff --git a/src/gtk/notebook.cpp b/src/gtk/notebook.cpp
index 6102168a49..6cac1f9135 100644
--- a/src/gtk/notebook.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/notebook.cpp
@@ -220,7 +220,13 @@ bool wxNotebook::Create(wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
     m_insertCallback = (wxInsertChildFunction)wxInsertChildInNotebook;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxNoteBook creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
+
 
     m_widget = gtk_notebook_new();
 
diff --git a/src/gtk/radiobox.cpp b/src/gtk/radiobox.cpp
index e1977ab2a4..5328d1565d 100644
--- a/src/gtk/radiobox.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/radiobox.cpp
@@ -85,11 +85,12 @@ bool wxRadioBox::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString& title,
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxRadioBox creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_widget = gtk_frame_new( title.mbc_str() );
 
diff --git a/src/gtk/radiobut.cpp b/src/gtk/radiobut.cpp
index 3550885060..f7771f4ea6 100644
--- a/src/gtk/radiobut.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/radiobut.cpp
@@ -63,17 +63,14 @@ bool wxRadioButton::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString& lab
 {
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
     m_needParent = TRUE;
-
-    wxSize newSize = size;
-
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, newSize, style, name );
-    
     m_isRadioButton = TRUE;
-  
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
 
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxRadioButton creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     if (HasFlag(wxRB_GROUP))
     {
@@ -111,6 +108,7 @@ bool wxRadioButton::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString& lab
       
     SetLabel(label);
 
+    wxSize newSize = size;
     if (newSize.x == -1) newSize.x = 22+gdk_string_measure( m_widget->style->font, label.mbc_str() );
     if (newSize.y == -1) newSize.y = 26;
     SetSize( newSize.x, newSize.y );
diff --git a/src/gtk/scrolbar.cpp b/src/gtk/scrolbar.cpp
index a2f96c9a33..56cc1d6d58 100644
--- a/src/gtk/scrolbar.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/scrolbar.cpp
@@ -137,11 +137,12 @@ bool wxScrollBar::Create(wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
   
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-  
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxScrollBar creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_oldPos = 0.0;
 
diff --git a/src/gtk/slider.cpp b/src/gtk/slider.cpp
index b2f0bccefc..5d115ba3b8 100644
--- a/src/gtk/slider.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/slider.cpp
@@ -98,11 +98,12 @@ bool wxSlider::Create(wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
     m_needParent = TRUE;
   
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-  
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxSlider creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_oldPos = 0.0;
 
diff --git a/src/gtk/spinbutt.cpp b/src/gtk/spinbutt.cpp
index 4847cc4de5..31a244d6c3 100644
--- a/src/gtk/spinbutt.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/spinbutt.cpp
@@ -98,9 +98,12 @@ bool wxSpinButton::Create(wxWindow *parent,
     if (new_size.y == -1)
         new_size.y = 30;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, new_size, style, name );
-
-//  SetValidator( validator );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, new_size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxXX creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_oldPos = 0.0;
 
diff --git a/src/gtk/statbmp.cpp b/src/gtk/statbmp.cpp
index e46ae8134d..f9e6700b8f 100644
--- a/src/gtk/statbmp.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/statbmp.cpp
@@ -58,14 +58,19 @@ bool wxStaticBitmap::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxBitmap &bi
 {
     m_needParent = TRUE;
 
-    wxSize newSize = size;
-
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxXX creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_bitmap = bitmap;
 
     if (m_bitmap.Ok())
     {
+       wxSize newSize = size;
+
         GdkBitmap *mask = (GdkBitmap *) NULL;
         if ( m_bitmap.GetMask() )
             mask = m_bitmap.GetMask()->GetBitmap();
diff --git a/src/gtk/statbox.cpp b/src/gtk/statbox.cpp
index 84fd9673ff..d39006cda7 100644
--- a/src/gtk/statbox.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/statbox.cpp
@@ -41,7 +41,12 @@ bool wxStaticBox::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString &label
 {
     m_needParent = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxStaticBox creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_isStaticBox = TRUE;
     
diff --git a/src/gtk/statline.cpp b/src/gtk/statline.cpp
index 98bb5f04b5..fda6826dc6 100644
--- a/src/gtk/statline.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/statline.cpp
@@ -41,7 +41,12 @@ bool wxStaticLine::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
 {
     m_needParent = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxStaticLine creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     if ( IsVertical() )
         m_widget = gtk_vseparator_new();
diff --git a/src/gtk/stattext.cpp b/src/gtk/stattext.cpp
index 194fb3da08..c0c6dd3e5f 100644
--- a/src/gtk/stattext.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/stattext.cpp
@@ -48,9 +48,12 @@ bool wxStaticText::Create(wxWindow *parent,
 {
     m_needParent = TRUE;
 
-    wxSize newSize = size;
-
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxXX creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     // notice that we call the base class version which will just remove the
     // '&' characters from the string, but not set the label's text to it
@@ -77,9 +80,9 @@ bool wxStaticText::Create(wxWindow *parent,
     GtkRequisition req;
     (* GTK_WIDGET_CLASS( GTK_OBJECT(m_widget)->klass )->size_request ) (m_widget, &req );
 
+    wxSize newSize = size;
     if (newSize.x == -1) newSize.x = req.width;
     if (newSize.y == -1) newSize.y = req.height;
-
     SetSize( newSize.x, newSize.y );
 
     m_parent->DoAddChild( this );
diff --git a/src/gtk/tbargtk.cpp b/src/gtk/tbargtk.cpp
index 0a92bc7c37..0f90b72a74 100644
--- a/src/gtk/tbargtk.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/tbargtk.cpp
@@ -147,7 +147,12 @@ bool wxToolBar::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
 {
     m_needParent = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxToolBar creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_tools.DeleteContents( TRUE );
 
diff --git a/src/gtk/textctrl.cpp b/src/gtk/textctrl.cpp
index ccb6dce12b..04809dc193 100644
--- a/src/gtk/textctrl.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/textctrl.cpp
@@ -114,11 +114,13 @@ bool wxTextCtrl::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString &value,
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxTextCtrl creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif // wxUSE_VALIDATORS
 
     m_vScrollbarVisible = FALSE;
 
diff --git a/src/gtk/window.cpp b/src/gtk/window.cpp
index a2d7b7536f..bfdc8bcc81 100644
--- a/src/gtk/window.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk/window.cpp
@@ -1821,7 +1821,12 @@ bool wxWindow::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
                        const wxPoint &pos, const wxSize &size,
                        long style, const wxString &name  )
 {
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxWindow creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_insertCallback = wxInsertChildInWindow;
 
@@ -2002,27 +2007,22 @@ wxWindow::~wxWindow()
     }
 }
 
-void wxWindow::PreCreation( wxWindow *parent,
-                            wxWindowID id,
-                            const wxPoint &pos,
-                            const wxSize &size,
-                            long style,
-                            const wxString &name )
+bool wxWindow::PreCreation( wxWindow *parent, const wxPoint &pos,  const wxSize &size )
 {
-    wxASSERT_MSG( !m_needParent || parent, _T("Need complete parent.") );
-
-    if ( !CreateBase(parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name) )
-    {
-        wxFAIL_MSG(_T("window creation failed"));
-    }
+    wxCHECK_MSG( !m_needParent || parent, FALSE, _T("Need complete parent.") );
 
+    /* this turns -1 into 20 so that a minimal window is
+       visible even although -1,-1 has been given as the
+       size of the window. the same trick is used in other
+       ports and should make debugging easier */
     m_width = WidthDefault(size.x);
     m_height = HeightDefault(size.y);
 
     m_x = (int)pos.x;
     m_y = (int)pos.y;
 
-    if (!parent)  /* some reasonable defaults */
+    /* some reasonable defaults */
+    if (!parent)  
     {
         if (m_x == -1)
         {
@@ -2035,6 +2035,8 @@ void wxWindow::PreCreation( wxWindow *parent,
             if (m_y < 10) m_y = 10;
         }
     }
+    
+    return TRUE;
 }
 
 void wxWindow::PostCreation()
diff --git a/src/gtk1/bmpbuttn.cpp b/src/gtk1/bmpbuttn.cpp
index 7bfc477e35..71975f8af9 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/bmpbuttn.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/bmpbuttn.cpp
@@ -118,13 +118,12 @@ bool wxBitmapButton::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxBitmap &bi
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
   
-    wxSize newSize = size;
-
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, newSize, style, name );
-  
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxBitmapButton creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_bitmap   = bitmap;
     m_disabled = bitmap;
@@ -142,6 +141,8 @@ bool wxBitmapButton::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxBitmap &bi
 
     if (m_bitmap.Ok())
     {
+        wxSize newSize = size;
+
         GdkBitmap *mask = (GdkBitmap *) NULL;
         if (m_bitmap.GetMask()) mask = m_bitmap.GetMask()->GetBitmap();
         GtkWidget *pixmap = gtk_pixmap_new( m_bitmap.GetPixmap(), mask );
diff --git a/src/gtk1/button.cpp b/src/gtk1/button.cpp
index ad9b36f8da..dc7dd01c59 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/button.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/button.cpp
@@ -75,13 +75,13 @@ bool wxButton::Create(  wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString &label,
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
 
-    wxSize newSize = size;
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxButton creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, newSize, style, name );
-  
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif // wxUSE_VALIDATORS
 
     m_widget = gtk_button_new_with_label( "" );
     
@@ -92,6 +92,7 @@ bool wxButton::Create(  wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString &label,
 
     SetLabel(label);
 
+    wxSize newSize = size;
     if (newSize.x == -1) newSize.x = 15+gdk_string_measure( m_widget->style->font, label.mbc_str() );
     if (newSize.y == -1) newSize.y = 26;
     SetSize( newSize.x, newSize.y );
diff --git a/src/gtk1/checkbox.cpp b/src/gtk1/checkbox.cpp
index 75cf233c65..af1d2592c3 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/checkbox.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/checkbox.cpp
@@ -72,11 +72,12 @@ bool wxCheckBox::Create(wxWindow *parent,
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxCheckBox creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     wxControl::SetLabel( label );
 
diff --git a/src/gtk1/choice.cpp b/src/gtk1/choice.cpp
index f8801312bd..ae4a6e9fce 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/choice.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/choice.cpp
@@ -38,7 +38,8 @@ extern bool   g_blockEventsOnDrag;
 
 static void gtk_choice_clicked_callback( GtkWidget *WXUNUSED(widget), wxChoice *choice )
 {
-    if (g_isIdle) wxapp_install_idle_handler();
+    if (g_isIdle) 
+      wxapp_install_idle_handler();
 
     if (!choice->m_hasVMT) return;
 
@@ -71,11 +72,12 @@ bool wxChoice::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
 #endif
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxChoice creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_widget = gtk_option_menu_new();
 
diff --git a/src/gtk1/combobox.cpp b/src/gtk1/combobox.cpp
index 102ce9b224..da4657688f 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/combobox.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/combobox.cpp
@@ -101,11 +101,12 @@ bool wxComboBox::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString& value,
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxComboBox creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_widget = gtk_combo_new();
 
diff --git a/src/gtk1/cursor.cpp b/src/gtk1/cursor.cpp
index 9335e8c837..4876e3f8d3 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/cursor.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/cursor.cpp
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@
 #endif
 
 #include "wx/cursor.h"
+#include "wx/utils.h"
 
 #include "gdk/gdk.h"
 
@@ -170,6 +171,8 @@ void wxBeginBusyCursor( wxCursor *WXUNUSED(cursor) )
     gs_savedCursor = g_globalCursor;
     
     wxSetCursor( wxCursor(wxCURSOR_WATCH) );
+    
+    wxYield();
 }
 
 bool wxIsBusy()
diff --git a/src/gtk1/dialog.cpp b/src/gtk1/dialog.cpp
index fe199dd6de..bed7d500ff 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/dialog.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/dialog.cpp
@@ -248,7 +248,12 @@ bool wxDialog::Create( wxWindow *parent,
 
     m_needParent = FALSE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxDialog creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_insertCallback = (wxInsertChildFunction) wxInsertChildInDialog;
     
diff --git a/src/gtk1/filedlg.cpp b/src/gtk1/filedlg.cpp
index 086a593ef5..f2c2c99011 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/filedlg.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/filedlg.cpp
@@ -116,7 +116,13 @@ wxFileDialog::wxFileDialog( wxWindow *parent, const wxString& message,
 {
     m_needParent = FALSE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, -1, pos, wxDefaultSize, style | wxDIALOG_MODAL, "filedialog" );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, wxDefaultSize ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, -1, pos, wxDefaultSize, style | wxDIALOG_MODAL, wxDefaultValidator, _T("filedialog") ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxXX creation failed") );
+	return;
+    }
+    
     m_message = message;
     m_path = _T("");
     m_fileName = defaultFileName;
diff --git a/src/gtk1/frame.cpp b/src/gtk1/frame.cpp
index c0ebd7fe34..78247575e7 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/frame.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/frame.cpp
@@ -224,7 +224,6 @@ gtk_frame_realized_callback( GtkWidget *widget, wxFrame *win )
        decor |= GDK_DECOR_RESIZEH;
     }
 
-
     gdk_window_set_decorations( win->m_widget->window, (GdkWMDecoration)decor);
     gdk_window_set_functions( win->m_widget->window, (GdkWMFunction)func);
 
@@ -361,7 +360,12 @@ bool wxFrame::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString &title,
 
     m_needParent = FALSE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxFrame creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_title = title;
 
diff --git a/src/gtk1/gauge.cpp b/src/gtk1/gauge.cpp
index e176cbe194..35d9ad6f37 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/gauge.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/gauge.cpp
@@ -28,59 +28,60 @@ bool wxGauge::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,  int range,
     const wxPoint& pos, const wxSize& size,
     long style, const wxValidator& validator, const wxString& name )
 {
-  m_needParent = TRUE;
+    m_needParent = TRUE;
   
-  PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-  
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxGauge creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
-  m_rangeMax = range;
-  m_gaugePos = 0;
-  m_useProgressBar = TRUE;
+    m_rangeMax = range;
+    m_gaugePos = 0;
+    m_useProgressBar = TRUE;
   
-  m_widget = gtk_progress_bar_new();
+    m_widget = gtk_progress_bar_new();
   
-  m_parent->DoAddChild( this );
+    m_parent->DoAddChild( this );
   
-  PostCreation();
+    PostCreation();
   
-  Show( TRUE );
+    Show( TRUE );
     
-  return TRUE;
+    return TRUE;
 }
 
 void wxGauge::SetRange( int r )
 {
-  m_rangeMax = r;
-  if (m_gaugePos > m_rangeMax) m_gaugePos = m_rangeMax;
+    m_rangeMax = r;
+    if (m_gaugePos > m_rangeMax) m_gaugePos = m_rangeMax;
   
-  gtk_progress_bar_update( GTK_PROGRESS_BAR(m_widget), ((float)m_gaugePos)/m_rangeMax );
+    gtk_progress_bar_update( GTK_PROGRESS_BAR(m_widget), ((float)m_gaugePos)/m_rangeMax );
 }
 
 void wxGauge::SetValue( int pos )
 {
-  m_gaugePos = pos;
-  if (m_gaugePos > m_rangeMax) m_gaugePos = m_rangeMax;
+    m_gaugePos = pos;
+    if (m_gaugePos > m_rangeMax) m_gaugePos = m_rangeMax;
   
-  gtk_progress_bar_update( GTK_PROGRESS_BAR(m_widget), ((float)m_gaugePos)/m_rangeMax );
+    gtk_progress_bar_update( GTK_PROGRESS_BAR(m_widget), ((float)m_gaugePos)/m_rangeMax );
 }
 
-int wxGauge::GetRange(void) const
+int wxGauge::GetRange() const
 {
-  return m_rangeMax;
+    return m_rangeMax;
 }
 
-int wxGauge::GetValue(void) const
+int wxGauge::GetValue() const
 {
-  return m_gaugePos;
+    return m_gaugePos;
 }
 
 void wxGauge::ApplyWidgetStyle()
 {
-  SetWidgetStyle();
-  gtk_widget_set_style( m_widget, m_widgetStyle );
+    SetWidgetStyle();
+    gtk_widget_set_style( m_widget, m_widgetStyle );
 }
 
 #endif
diff --git a/src/gtk1/listbox.cpp b/src/gtk1/listbox.cpp
index 0b62dcb261..d99c53a4b5 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/listbox.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/listbox.cpp
@@ -244,11 +244,12 @@ bool wxListBox::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxListBox creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_widget = gtk_scrolled_window_new( (GtkAdjustment*) NULL, (GtkAdjustment*) NULL );
     if (style & wxLB_ALWAYS_SB)
diff --git a/src/gtk1/mdi.cpp b/src/gtk1/mdi.cpp
index 13c558712a..0b98599d59 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/mdi.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/mdi.cpp
@@ -409,7 +409,12 @@ bool wxMDIClientWindow::CreateClient( wxMDIParentFrame *parent, long style )
 
     m_insertCallback = (wxInsertChildFunction)wxInsertChildInMDI;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, -1, wxPoint(10,10), wxSize(100,100), style, "wxMDIClientWindow" );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, -1, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, style, wxDefaultValidator, _T("wxMDIClientWindow") ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxMDIClientWindow creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_widget = gtk_notebook_new();
 
diff --git a/src/gtk1/menu.cpp b/src/gtk1/menu.cpp
index 64c2b57e44..b41ead44f4 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/menu.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/menu.cpp
@@ -39,7 +39,12 @@ wxMenuBar::wxMenuBar( long style )
     m_needParent = FALSE;
     m_style = style;
 
-    PreCreation( (wxWindow *) NULL, -1, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, style, "menu" );
+    if (!PreCreation( (wxWindow*) NULL, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize ) ||
+        !CreateBase( (wxWindow*) NULL, -1, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, style, wxDefaultValidator, _T("menubar") ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxMenuBar creation failed") );
+	return;
+    }
 
     m_menus.DeleteContents( TRUE );
 
@@ -72,8 +77,13 @@ wxMenuBar::wxMenuBar()
     m_needParent = FALSE;
     m_style = 0;
 
-    PreCreation( (wxWindow *) NULL, -1, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, 0, "menu" );
-
+    if (!PreCreation( (wxWindow*) NULL, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize ) ||
+        !CreateBase( (wxWindow*) NULL, -1, wxDefaultPosition, wxDefaultSize, 0, wxDefaultValidator, _T("menubar") ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxMenuBar creation failed") );
+	return;
+    }
+    
     m_menus.DeleteContents( TRUE );
 
     /* GTK 1.2.0 doesn't have gtk_item_factory_get_item(), but GTK 1.2.1 has. */
diff --git a/src/gtk1/minifram.cpp b/src/gtk1/minifram.cpp
index ee93f8546c..9da9393c89 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/minifram.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/minifram.cpp
@@ -163,6 +163,8 @@ static gint gtk_window_button_press_callback( GtkWidget *widget, GdkEventButton
 
     if (win->m_isDragging) return TRUE;
 
+    gdk_window_raise( win->m_widget->window );
+    
     gdk_pointer_grab( widget->window, FALSE,
                       (GdkEventMask)
                          (GDK_BUTTON_PRESS_MASK |
diff --git a/src/gtk1/notebook.cpp b/src/gtk1/notebook.cpp
index 6102168a49..6cac1f9135 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/notebook.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/notebook.cpp
@@ -220,7 +220,13 @@ bool wxNotebook::Create(wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
     m_insertCallback = (wxInsertChildFunction)wxInsertChildInNotebook;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxNoteBook creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
+
 
     m_widget = gtk_notebook_new();
 
diff --git a/src/gtk1/radiobox.cpp b/src/gtk1/radiobox.cpp
index e1977ab2a4..5328d1565d 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/radiobox.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/radiobox.cpp
@@ -85,11 +85,12 @@ bool wxRadioBox::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString& title,
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxRadioBox creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_widget = gtk_frame_new( title.mbc_str() );
 
diff --git a/src/gtk1/radiobut.cpp b/src/gtk1/radiobut.cpp
index 3550885060..f7771f4ea6 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/radiobut.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/radiobut.cpp
@@ -63,17 +63,14 @@ bool wxRadioButton::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString& lab
 {
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
     m_needParent = TRUE;
-
-    wxSize newSize = size;
-
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, newSize, style, name );
-    
     m_isRadioButton = TRUE;
-  
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
 
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxRadioButton creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     if (HasFlag(wxRB_GROUP))
     {
@@ -111,6 +108,7 @@ bool wxRadioButton::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString& lab
       
     SetLabel(label);
 
+    wxSize newSize = size;
     if (newSize.x == -1) newSize.x = 22+gdk_string_measure( m_widget->style->font, label.mbc_str() );
     if (newSize.y == -1) newSize.y = 26;
     SetSize( newSize.x, newSize.y );
diff --git a/src/gtk1/scrolbar.cpp b/src/gtk1/scrolbar.cpp
index a2f96c9a33..56cc1d6d58 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/scrolbar.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/scrolbar.cpp
@@ -137,11 +137,12 @@ bool wxScrollBar::Create(wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
   
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-  
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxScrollBar creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_oldPos = 0.0;
 
diff --git a/src/gtk1/slider.cpp b/src/gtk1/slider.cpp
index b2f0bccefc..5d115ba3b8 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/slider.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/slider.cpp
@@ -98,11 +98,12 @@ bool wxSlider::Create(wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
     m_needParent = TRUE;
   
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
-  
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxSlider creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_oldPos = 0.0;
 
diff --git a/src/gtk1/spinbutt.cpp b/src/gtk1/spinbutt.cpp
index 4847cc4de5..31a244d6c3 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/spinbutt.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/spinbutt.cpp
@@ -98,9 +98,12 @@ bool wxSpinButton::Create(wxWindow *parent,
     if (new_size.y == -1)
         new_size.y = 30;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, new_size, style, name );
-
-//  SetValidator( validator );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, new_size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxXX creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_oldPos = 0.0;
 
diff --git a/src/gtk1/statbmp.cpp b/src/gtk1/statbmp.cpp
index e46ae8134d..f9e6700b8f 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/statbmp.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/statbmp.cpp
@@ -58,14 +58,19 @@ bool wxStaticBitmap::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxBitmap &bi
 {
     m_needParent = TRUE;
 
-    wxSize newSize = size;
-
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxXX creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_bitmap = bitmap;
 
     if (m_bitmap.Ok())
     {
+       wxSize newSize = size;
+
         GdkBitmap *mask = (GdkBitmap *) NULL;
         if ( m_bitmap.GetMask() )
             mask = m_bitmap.GetMask()->GetBitmap();
diff --git a/src/gtk1/statbox.cpp b/src/gtk1/statbox.cpp
index 84fd9673ff..d39006cda7 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/statbox.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/statbox.cpp
@@ -41,7 +41,12 @@ bool wxStaticBox::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString &label
 {
     m_needParent = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxStaticBox creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_isStaticBox = TRUE;
     
diff --git a/src/gtk1/statline.cpp b/src/gtk1/statline.cpp
index 98bb5f04b5..fda6826dc6 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/statline.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/statline.cpp
@@ -41,7 +41,12 @@ bool wxStaticLine::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
 {
     m_needParent = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxStaticLine creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     if ( IsVertical() )
         m_widget = gtk_vseparator_new();
diff --git a/src/gtk1/stattext.cpp b/src/gtk1/stattext.cpp
index 194fb3da08..c0c6dd3e5f 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/stattext.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/stattext.cpp
@@ -48,9 +48,12 @@ bool wxStaticText::Create(wxWindow *parent,
 {
     m_needParent = TRUE;
 
-    wxSize newSize = size;
-
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxXX creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     // notice that we call the base class version which will just remove the
     // '&' characters from the string, but not set the label's text to it
@@ -77,9 +80,9 @@ bool wxStaticText::Create(wxWindow *parent,
     GtkRequisition req;
     (* GTK_WIDGET_CLASS( GTK_OBJECT(m_widget)->klass )->size_request ) (m_widget, &req );
 
+    wxSize newSize = size;
     if (newSize.x == -1) newSize.x = req.width;
     if (newSize.y == -1) newSize.y = req.height;
-
     SetSize( newSize.x, newSize.y );
 
     m_parent->DoAddChild( this );
diff --git a/src/gtk1/tbargtk.cpp b/src/gtk1/tbargtk.cpp
index 0a92bc7c37..0f90b72a74 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/tbargtk.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/tbargtk.cpp
@@ -147,7 +147,12 @@ bool wxToolBar::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
 {
     m_needParent = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxToolBar creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_tools.DeleteContents( TRUE );
 
diff --git a/src/gtk1/textctrl.cpp b/src/gtk1/textctrl.cpp
index ccb6dce12b..04809dc193 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/textctrl.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/textctrl.cpp
@@ -114,11 +114,13 @@ bool wxTextCtrl::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id, const wxString &value,
     m_needParent = TRUE;
     m_acceptsFocus = TRUE;
 
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, validator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxTextCtrl creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
-#if wxUSE_VALIDATORS
-    SetValidator( validator );
-#endif // wxUSE_VALIDATORS
 
     m_vScrollbarVisible = FALSE;
 
diff --git a/src/gtk1/window.cpp b/src/gtk1/window.cpp
index a2d7b7536f..bfdc8bcc81 100644
--- a/src/gtk1/window.cpp
+++ b/src/gtk1/window.cpp
@@ -1821,7 +1821,12 @@ bool wxWindow::Create( wxWindow *parent, wxWindowID id,
                        const wxPoint &pos, const wxSize &size,
                        long style, const wxString &name  )
 {
-    PreCreation( parent, id, pos, size, style, name );
+    if (!PreCreation( parent, pos, size ) ||
+        !CreateBase( parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name ))
+    {
+        wxFAIL_MSG( _T("wxWindow creation failed") );
+	return FALSE;
+    }
 
     m_insertCallback = wxInsertChildInWindow;
 
@@ -2002,27 +2007,22 @@ wxWindow::~wxWindow()
     }
 }
 
-void wxWindow::PreCreation( wxWindow *parent,
-                            wxWindowID id,
-                            const wxPoint &pos,
-                            const wxSize &size,
-                            long style,
-                            const wxString &name )
+bool wxWindow::PreCreation( wxWindow *parent, const wxPoint &pos,  const wxSize &size )
 {
-    wxASSERT_MSG( !m_needParent || parent, _T("Need complete parent.") );
-
-    if ( !CreateBase(parent, id, pos, size, style, wxDefaultValidator, name) )
-    {
-        wxFAIL_MSG(_T("window creation failed"));
-    }
+    wxCHECK_MSG( !m_needParent || parent, FALSE, _T("Need complete parent.") );
 
+    /* this turns -1 into 20 so that a minimal window is
+       visible even although -1,-1 has been given as the
+       size of the window. the same trick is used in other
+       ports and should make debugging easier */
     m_width = WidthDefault(size.x);
     m_height = HeightDefault(size.y);
 
     m_x = (int)pos.x;
     m_y = (int)pos.y;
 
-    if (!parent)  /* some reasonable defaults */
+    /* some reasonable defaults */
+    if (!parent)  
     {
         if (m_x == -1)
         {
@@ -2035,6 +2035,8 @@ void wxWindow::PreCreation( wxWindow *parent,
             if (m_y < 10) m_y = 10;
         }
     }
+    
+    return TRUE;
 }
 
 void wxWindow::PostCreation()
diff --git a/src/html/htmlcell.cpp b/src/html/htmlcell.cpp
index 945753865b..1019e1367f 100644
--- a/src/html/htmlcell.cpp
+++ b/src/html/htmlcell.cpp
@@ -6,14 +6,12 @@
 // Licence:     wxWindows Licence
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-
 #ifdef __GNUG__
-#pragma implementation
+#pragma implementation "htmlcell.h"
 #endif
 
-#include <wx/wxprec.h>
+#include "wx/wxprec.h"
 
-#include "wx/defs.h"
 #if wxUSE_HTML
 
 #ifdef __BORDLANDC__
@@ -21,16 +19,14 @@
 #endif
 
 #ifndef WXPRECOMP
-#include <wx/wx.h>
+#include "wx/wx.h"
 #endif
 
-#include <wx/html/htmlcell.h>
-#include <wx/html/htmlwin.h>
+#include "wx/html/htmlcell.h"
+#include "wx/html/htmlwin.h"
 #include <stdlib.h>
 
 
-
-
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // wxHtmlCell
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -71,10 +67,6 @@ void wxHtmlWordCell::Draw(wxDC& dc, int x, int y, int view_y1, int view_y2)
 
 
 
-
-
-
-
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // wxHtmlContainerCell
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/src/html/htmlfilter.cpp b/src/html/htmlfilter.cpp
index ba3f0a84e4..1bdccd5b17 100644
--- a/src/html/htmlfilter.cpp
+++ b/src/html/htmlfilter.cpp
@@ -8,12 +8,11 @@
 
 
 #ifdef __GNUG__
-#pragma implementation
+#pragma implementation "htmlfilter.h"
 #endif
 
-#include <wx/wxprec.h>
+#include "wx/wxprec.h"
 
-#include "wx/defs.h"
 #if wxUSE_HTML
 
 #ifdef __BORDLANDC__
@@ -21,11 +20,11 @@
 #endif
 
 #ifndef WXPRECOMP
-#include <wx/wx.h>
+#include "wx/wx.h"
 #endif
 
-#include <wx/html/htmlfilter.h>
-#include <wx/html/htmlwin.h>
+#include "wx/html/htmlfilter.h"
+#include "wx/html/htmlwin.h"
 
 
 /*
diff --git a/src/html/htmlhelp.cpp b/src/html/htmlhelp.cpp
index a208ea5caf..0f8c8c9084 100644
--- a/src/html/htmlhelp.cpp
+++ b/src/html/htmlhelp.cpp
@@ -7,12 +7,11 @@
 
 
 #ifdef __GNUG__
-#pragma implementation
+#pragma implementation "htmlhelp.h"
 #endif
 
-#include <wx/wxprec.h>
+#include "wx/wxprec.h"
 
-#include "wx/defs.h"
 #if wxUSE_HTML
 
 #ifdef __BORDLANDC__