diff --git a/src/frontends/xforms/ChangeLog b/src/frontends/xforms/ChangeLog
index bad395c44e..560c39051b 100644
--- a/src/frontends/xforms/ChangeLog
+++ b/src/frontends/xforms/ChangeLog
@@ -3,6 +3,20 @@
 	* xforms_helpers.C (setCursorColor):
 	* Tooltips.C (set): remove XC_question_arrow code.
 
+	* FeedbackController.[Ch] (clearMessage): new method.
+
+	* FeedbackController.C (postMessage): the warning message is now
+	displayed in red!
+
+	* FormParagraph.C: define some helper functions to minimise the amount
+	of repeated code.
+
+	* FormDocument.C:
+	* FormGraphics.C:
+	* FormMinipage.C:
+	* FormTabular.C: use the FeedbackController to post the warning
+	messages.
+
 2002-03-19  André Pönitz <poenitz@gmx.net>
 
 	* FormParagraph.C: whitespace changes
diff --git a/src/frontends/xforms/FeedbackController.C b/src/frontends/xforms/FeedbackController.C
index f23f92ef12..4f04a25081 100644
--- a/src/frontends/xforms/FeedbackController.C
+++ b/src/frontends/xforms/FeedbackController.C
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 #include "xforms_helpers.h" // formatted
 #include "support/LAssert.h"
 
+
 FeedbackController::FeedbackController()
 	: warning_posted_(false), message_widget_(0)
 {}
@@ -34,8 +35,9 @@ FeedbackController::~FeedbackController()
 
 void FeedbackController::setMessageWidget(FL_OBJECT * ob)
 {
-	lyx::Assert(ob && ob->objclass  == FL_TEXT);
+	lyx::Assert(ob && ob->objclass == FL_TEXT);
 	message_widget_ = ob;
+	fl_set_object_lsize(message_widget_, FL_SMALL_SIZE);
 }
 
 
@@ -45,14 +47,20 @@ void FeedbackController::MessageCB(FL_OBJECT * ob, int event)
 	lyx::Assert(ob);
 
 	switch (event) {
-	case FL_ENTER:
+	case FL_ENTER: 
+	{
+		string const feedback = getFeedback(ob);
+		if (feedback.empty() && warning_posted_)
+			break;
+
 		warning_posted_ = false;
 		postMessage(getFeedback(ob));
 		break;
+	} 
 
 	case FL_LEAVE:
 		if (!warning_posted_)
-			fl_set_object_label(message_widget_, "");
+			clearMessage();
 		break;
 
 	default:
@@ -86,6 +94,24 @@ void FeedbackController::postWarning(string const & warning)
 }
 
 
+void FeedbackController::clearMessage()
+{
+	lyx::Assert(message_widget_);
+
+	warning_posted_ = false;
+
+	string const existing = message_widget_->label
+		? message_widget_->label : string();
+	if (existing.empty())
+		return;
+
+	// This trick is needed to get xforms to clear the label...
+	fl_hide_object(message_widget_);
+	fl_set_object_label(message_widget_, "");
+	fl_show_object(message_widget_);
+}
+
+
 void FeedbackController::postMessage(string const & message)
 {
 	lyx::Assert(message_widget_);
@@ -94,5 +120,6 @@ void FeedbackController::postMessage(string const & message)
 				     message_widget_->w-10, FL_SMALL_SIZE);
 
 	fl_set_object_label(message_widget_, str.c_str());
-	fl_set_object_lsize(message_widget_, FL_SMALL_SIZE);
+	FL_COLOR const label_color = warning_posted_ ? FL_TOMATO : FL_BLACK;
+	fl_set_object_lcol(message_widget_, label_color);
 }
diff --git a/src/frontends/xforms/FeedbackController.h b/src/frontends/xforms/FeedbackController.h
index 93b94188b6..ccb410db27 100644
--- a/src/frontends/xforms/FeedbackController.h
+++ b/src/frontends/xforms/FeedbackController.h
@@ -52,6 +52,8 @@ protected:
 	    message_widget direct. The message will persist till the mouse
 	    movesto a new object. */
 	void postWarning(string const & warning);
+	/// Reset the message_widget_
+	void clearMessage();
 
 private:
 	/** Get the feedback message for ob.
diff --git a/src/frontends/xforms/FormDocument.C b/src/frontends/xforms/FormDocument.C
index 3bc95eec64..764521f306 100644
--- a/src/frontends/xforms/FormDocument.C
+++ b/src/frontends/xforms/FormDocument.C
@@ -92,6 +92,9 @@ void FormDocument::build()
 	// the tabbed folder
 	dialog_.reset(build_tabbed_document());
 
+	// Allow the base class to control messages
+	setMessageWidget(dialog_->text_warning);
+
 	// Manage the restore, ok, apply, restore and cancel/close buttons
 	bc().setOK(dialog_->button_ok);
 	bc().setApply(dialog_->button_apply);
@@ -1224,14 +1227,12 @@ void FormDocument::checkReadOnly()
 	if (bc().readOnly(lv_->buffer()->isReadonly())) {
 		combo_doc_class->deactivate();
 		combo_language->deactivate();
-		fl_set_object_label(dialog_->text_warning,
-				    _("Document is read-only."
-				      " No changes to layout permitted."));
-		fl_show_object(dialog_->text_warning);
+		postWarning(_("Document is read-only."
+			      " No changes to layout permitted."));
 	} else {
 		combo_doc_class->activate();
 		combo_language->activate();
-		fl_hide_object(dialog_->text_warning);
+		clearMessage();
 	}
 }
 
@@ -1278,12 +1279,10 @@ bool FormDocument::CheckDocumentInput(FL_OBJECT * ob, long)
 			|| ob == paper_->input_head_sep
 			|| ob == paper_->input_foot_skip) {
 		if (!ok) {
-			fl_set_object_label(dialog_->text_warning,
-                		_("Warning: Invalid Length (valid example: 10mm)"));
-			fl_show_object(dialog_->text_warning);
+			postWarning(_("Invalid Length (valid example: 10mm)"));
 			return false;
         	} else {
-			fl_hide_object(dialog_->text_warning);
+			clearMessage();
 			return true;
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/src/frontends/xforms/FormGraphics.C b/src/frontends/xforms/FormGraphics.C
index badade841f..22b1a8db6b 100644
--- a/src/frontends/xforms/FormGraphics.C
+++ b/src/frontends/xforms/FormGraphics.C
@@ -65,6 +65,9 @@ void FormGraphics::build()
 {
 	dialog_.reset(build_graphics());
 
+	// Allow the base class to control messages
+	setMessageWidget(dialog_->text_warning);
+
         // Manage the ok, apply, restore and cancel/close buttons
 	bc().setOK(dialog_->button_ok);
 	bc().setApply(dialog_->button_apply);
@@ -642,12 +645,10 @@ ButtonPolicy::SMInput FormGraphics::input(FL_OBJECT * ob, long)
 	    ob == size_->input_width || ob == size_->input_height || 
 	    ob == lyxview_->input_lyxwidth || ob == lyxview_->input_lyxheight) {
 		if (invalid) {
-			fl_set_object_label(dialog_->text_warning,
-				_("Warning: Invalid Length!"));
-			fl_show_object(dialog_->text_warning);
+			postWarning(_("Invalid Length!"));
 			return ButtonPolicy::SMI_INVALID;
 		} else {
-			fl_hide_object(dialog_->text_warning);
+			clearMessage();
 		}
 	}
 
diff --git a/src/frontends/xforms/FormMinipage.C b/src/frontends/xforms/FormMinipage.C
index 10955696de..8c3a1a5ac8 100644
--- a/src/frontends/xforms/FormMinipage.C
+++ b/src/frontends/xforms/FormMinipage.C
@@ -32,6 +32,9 @@ void FormMinipage::build()
 {
 	dialog_.reset(build_minipage());
 
+	// Allow the base class to control messages
+	setMessageWidget(dialog_->text_warning);
+
 	fl_set_input_return(dialog_->input_width, FL_RETURN_CHANGED);
 	setPrehandler(dialog_->input_width);
 
@@ -56,7 +59,7 @@ void FormMinipage::apply()
 {
 	controller().params().pageWidth =
 		LyXLength(getLengthFromWidgets(dialog_->input_width,
-			dialog_->choice_width_units));
+					       dialog_->choice_width_units));
 
 	if (fl_get_button(dialog_->radio_top))
 		controller().params().pos = InsetMinipage::top;
@@ -69,31 +72,34 @@ void FormMinipage::apply()
 
 void FormMinipage::update()
 {
-    LyXLength len(controller().params().pageWidth);
-    fl_set_input(dialog_->input_width, tostr(len.value()).c_str());
-    fl_set_choice(dialog_->choice_width_units, len.unit() + 1);
+	LyXLength len(controller().params().pageWidth);
+	fl_set_input(dialog_->input_width, tostr(len.value()).c_str());
+	fl_set_choice(dialog_->choice_width_units, len.unit() + 1);
 
-    switch (controller().params().pos) {
-    case InsetMinipage::top:
-	fl_set_button(dialog_->radio_top, 1);
-	break;
-    case InsetMinipage::center:
-	fl_set_button(dialog_->radio_middle, 1);
-	break;
-    case InsetMinipage::bottom:
-	fl_set_button(dialog_->radio_bottom, 1);
-	break;
-    }
+	switch (controller().params().pos) {
+	case InsetMinipage::top:
+		fl_set_button(dialog_->radio_top, 1);
+		break;
+	case InsetMinipage::center:
+		fl_set_button(dialog_->radio_middle, 1);
+		break;
+	case InsetMinipage::bottom:
+		fl_set_button(dialog_->radio_bottom, 1);
+		break;
+	}
 }
 
+
 ButtonPolicy::SMInput FormMinipage::input(FL_OBJECT * ob, long)
 {
+	clearMessage();
+
 	ButtonPolicy::SMInput action = ButtonPolicy::SMI_NOOP;
 
 	if (ob == dialog_->radio_top || 
-		ob == dialog_->radio_middle ||
-		ob == dialog_->radio_bottom ||
-		ob == dialog_->choice_width_units)
+	    ob == dialog_->radio_middle ||
+	    ob == dialog_->radio_bottom ||
+	    ob == dialog_->choice_width_units)
 		return ButtonPolicy::SMI_VALID;
 
 	// disallow senseless data
@@ -102,12 +108,9 @@ ButtonPolicy::SMInput FormMinipage::input(FL_OBJECT * ob, long)
 		string const input = getStringFromInput(dialog_->input_width);
 		bool const invalid = !isValidLength(input) && !isStrDbl(input);
 		if (invalid) {
-			fl_set_object_label(dialog_->text_warning,
-				_("Warning: Invalid Length!"));
-			fl_show_object(dialog_->text_warning);
+			postWarning(_("Invalid Length!"));
 			action = ButtonPolicy::SMI_INVALID;
 		} else {
-			fl_hide_object(dialog_->text_warning);
 			action = ButtonPolicy::SMI_VALID;
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/src/frontends/xforms/FormParagraph.C b/src/frontends/xforms/FormParagraph.C
index a7dcab78bf..a218475136 100644
--- a/src/frontends/xforms/FormParagraph.C
+++ b/src/frontends/xforms/FormParagraph.C
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@
 #include "helper_funcs.h"
 
 #include "support/lstrings.h"
+#include "support/LAssert.h"
 
 #include <functional>
 
@@ -44,10 +45,10 @@ using std::remove_if;
 FormParagraph::FormParagraph(LyXView * lv, Dialogs * d)
 	: FormBaseBD(lv, d, _("Paragraph Layout")), par_(0)
 {
-    // let the dialog be shown
-    // This is a permanent connection so we won't bother
-    // storing a copy because we won't be disconnecting.
-    d->showParagraph.connect(slot(this, &FormParagraph::show));
+	// let the dialog be shown
+	// This is a permanent connection so we won't bother
+	// storing a copy because we won't be disconnecting.
+	d->showParagraph.connect(slot(this, &FormParagraph::show));
 }
 
 
@@ -111,6 +112,9 @@ void FormParagraph::build()
 	// the tabbed folder
 	dialog_.reset(build_paragraph());
 
+	// Allow the base class to control messages
+	setMessageWidget(dialog_->text_warning);
+
 	fl_addto_choice(dialog_->choice_space_above,
 		_(" None | Defskip | Smallskip "
 		"| Medskip | Bigskip | VFill | Length "));
@@ -123,7 +127,7 @@ void FormParagraph::build()
 
 	fl_set_input_return(dialog_->input_space_above, FL_RETURN_CHANGED);
 	fl_set_input_return(dialog_->input_space_below, FL_RETURN_CHANGED);
-	fl_set_input_return(dialog_->input_labelwidth, FL_RETURN_CHANGED);
+	fl_set_input_return(dialog_->input_labelwidth,  FL_RETURN_CHANGED);
 	fl_set_input_return(dialog_->input_linespacing, FL_RETURN_CHANGED);
 	fl_set_input_filter(dialog_->input_linespacing, fl_unsigned_float_filter);
 
@@ -151,7 +155,7 @@ void FormParagraph::build()
 
 	string units = getStringFromVector(units_vec, "|");
 
-	fl_addto_choice(dialog_->choice_value_space_above,  units.c_str());
+	fl_addto_choice(dialog_->choice_value_space_above, units.c_str());
 	fl_addto_choice(dialog_->choice_value_space_below, units.c_str());
 
 	// Manage the ok, apply, restore and cancel/close buttons
@@ -181,17 +185,63 @@ void FormParagraph::build()
 }
 
 
+namespace {
+
+VSpace setVSpaceFromWidgets(FL_OBJECT * choice_type,
+			    FL_OBJECT * input_length,
+			    FL_OBJECT * choice_length,
+			    FL_OBJECT * check_keep)
+{
+	// Paranoia check!
+	lyx::Assert(choice_type   && choice_type->objclass   == FL_CHOICE &&
+		    input_length  && input_length->objclass  == FL_INPUT &&
+		    choice_length && choice_length->objclass == FL_CHOICE &&
+		    check_keep    && check_keep->objclass    == FL_CHECKBUTTON);
+	
+	VSpace space;
+
+	switch (fl_get_choice(choice_type)) {
+	case 1:
+		space = VSpace(VSpace::NONE);
+		break;
+	case 2:
+		space = VSpace(VSpace::DEFSKIP);
+		break;
+	case 3:
+		space = VSpace(VSpace::SMALLSKIP);
+		break;
+	case 4:
+		space = VSpace(VSpace::MEDSKIP);
+		break;
+	case 5:
+		space = VSpace(VSpace::BIGSKIP);
+		break;
+	case 6:
+		space = VSpace(VSpace::VFILL);
+		break;
+	case 7:
+	{
+		string const length =
+			getLengthFromWidgets(input_length, choice_length);
+		space = VSpace(LyXGlueLength(length));
+		break;
+	}
+	}
+
+	if (fl_get_button(check_keep))
+		space.setKeep(true);
+
+	return space;
+}
+
+} // namespace anon 
+
+
 void FormParagraph::apply()
 {
 	if (!lv_->view()->available() || !dialog_.get())
 		return;
 
-	VSpace space_top;
-	VSpace space_bottom;
-	LyXAlignment align;
-	string labelwidthstring;
-	bool noindent;
-
 	// If a vspace kind is "Length" but there's no text in
 	// the input field, reset the kind to "None". 
 	if ((fl_get_choice(dialog_->choice_space_above) == 7) &&
@@ -206,70 +256,24 @@ void FormParagraph::apply()
 		fl_set_choice(dialog_->choice_space_below, 1);
 	}
 
-	bool line_top         = fl_get_button(dialog_->check_lines_top);
-	bool line_bottom      = fl_get_button(dialog_->check_lines_bottom);
-	bool pagebreak_top    = fl_get_button(dialog_->check_pagebreaks_top);
-	bool pagebreak_bottom = fl_get_button(dialog_->check_pagebreaks_bottom);
+	bool const line_top = fl_get_button(dialog_->check_lines_top);
+	bool const line_bottom = fl_get_button(dialog_->check_lines_bottom);
+	bool const pagebreak_top = fl_get_button(dialog_->check_pagebreaks_top);
+	bool const pagebreak_bottom = fl_get_button(dialog_->check_pagebreaks_bottom);
 
-	switch (fl_get_choice(dialog_->choice_space_above)) {
-		case 1:
-			space_top = VSpace(VSpace::NONE);
-			break;
-		case 2:
-			space_top = VSpace(VSpace::DEFSKIP);
-			break;
-		case 3:
-			space_top = VSpace(VSpace::SMALLSKIP);
-			break;
-		case 4:
-			space_top = VSpace(VSpace::MEDSKIP);
-			break;
-		case 5:
-			space_top = VSpace(VSpace::BIGSKIP);
-			break;
-		case 6:
-			space_top = VSpace(VSpace::VFILL);
-			break;
-		case 7: {
-			string const length =
-				getLengthFromWidgets(dialog_->input_space_above,
-					dialog_->choice_value_space_above);
-			space_top = VSpace(LyXGlueLength(length));
-			break;
-		}
-	}
+	VSpace const space_top =
+		setVSpaceFromWidgets(dialog_->choice_space_above,
+				     dialog_->input_space_above,
+				     dialog_->choice_value_space_above,
+				     dialog_->check_space_above);
 
-	if (fl_get_button(dialog_->check_space_above))
-		space_top.setKeep(true);
-	switch (fl_get_choice(dialog_->choice_space_below)) {
-		case 1:
-			space_bottom = VSpace(VSpace::NONE);
-			break;
-		case 2:
-			space_bottom = VSpace(VSpace::DEFSKIP);
-			break;
-		case 3:
-			space_bottom = VSpace(VSpace::SMALLSKIP);
-			break;
-		case 4:
-			space_bottom = VSpace(VSpace::MEDSKIP);
-			break;
-		case 5:
-			space_bottom = VSpace(VSpace::BIGSKIP);
-			break;
-		case 6:
-			space_bottom = VSpace(VSpace::VFILL);
-			break;
-		case 7:
-			string const length =
-				getLengthFromWidgets(dialog_->input_space_below,
-					dialog_->choice_value_space_below);
-			space_bottom = VSpace(LyXGlueLength(length));
-			break;
-	}
-	if (fl_get_button (dialog_->check_space_below))
-		space_bottom.setKeep (true);
+	VSpace const space_bottom =
+		setVSpaceFromWidgets(dialog_->choice_space_below,
+				     dialog_->input_space_below,
+				     dialog_->choice_value_space_below,
+				     dialog_->check_space_below);
 
+	LyXAlignment align;
 	if (fl_get_button(dialog_->radio_align_left))
 		align = LYX_ALIGN_LEFT;
 	else if (fl_get_button(dialog_->radio_align_right))
@@ -279,8 +283,11 @@ void FormParagraph::apply()
 	else 
 		align = LYX_ALIGN_BLOCK;
 
-	labelwidthstring = fl_get_input(dialog_->input_labelwidth);
-	noindent = fl_get_button(dialog_->check_noindent);
+	string const labelwidthstring =
+		getStringFromInput(dialog_->input_labelwidth);
+
+	bool const noindent = fl_get_button(dialog_->check_noindent);
+
 	Spacing::Space linespacing = Spacing::Default;
 	string other_linespacing;
 	switch (fl_get_choice(dialog_->choice_linespacing)) {
@@ -295,11 +302,11 @@ void FormParagraph::apply()
 	}
 
 	Spacing const spacing(linespacing, other_linespacing);
+
 	LyXText * text(lv_->view()->getLyXText());
 	text->setParagraph(lv_->view(), line_top, line_bottom, pagebreak_top,
-	pagebreak_bottom, space_top, space_bottom, spacing,
-		 align, labelwidthstring, noindent);
-
+			   pagebreak_bottom, space_top, space_bottom, spacing,
+			   align, labelwidthstring, noindent);
 
 	// Actually apply these settings
 	lv_->view()->update(text, 
@@ -309,6 +316,66 @@ void FormParagraph::apply()
 }
 
 
+namespace {
+
+void setWidgetsFromVSpace(VSpace const & space,
+			  FL_OBJECT * choice_type,
+			  FL_OBJECT * input_length,
+			  FL_OBJECT * choice_length,
+			  FL_OBJECT * check_keep)
+{
+	// Paranoia check!
+	lyx::Assert(choice_type   && choice_type->objclass   == FL_CHOICE &&
+		    input_length  && input_length->objclass  == FL_INPUT &&
+		    choice_length && choice_length->objclass == FL_CHOICE &&
+		    check_keep    && check_keep->objclass    == FL_CHECKBUTTON);
+
+	fl_set_input(input_length, "");
+	setEnabled(input_length,  false);
+	setEnabled(choice_length, false);
+
+	switch (space.kind()) {
+	case VSpace::NONE:
+		fl_set_choice(choice_type, 1);
+		break;
+	case VSpace::DEFSKIP:
+		fl_set_choice(choice_type, 2);
+		break;
+	case VSpace::SMALLSKIP:
+		fl_set_choice(choice_type, 3);
+		break;
+	case VSpace::MEDSKIP:
+		fl_set_choice(choice_type, 4);
+		break;
+	case VSpace::BIGSKIP:
+		fl_set_choice(choice_type, 5);
+		break;
+	case VSpace::VFILL:
+		fl_set_choice(choice_type, 6);
+		break;
+	case VSpace::LENGTH:
+	{
+		fl_set_choice(choice_type, 7);
+
+		setEnabled(input_length,  true);
+		setEnabled(choice_length, true);
+
+		bool const metric = lyxrc.default_papersize > 3;
+		string const default_unit = metric ? "cm" : "in";
+		string const length = space.length().asString();
+
+		updateWidgetsFromLengthString(input_length, choice_length,
+					      length, default_unit);
+		break;
+	}
+	}
+
+	fl_set_button(check_keep, space.keep());
+}
+
+} // namespace anon 
+
+
 void FormParagraph::update()
 {
 	if (!dialog_.get())
@@ -317,22 +384,21 @@ void FormParagraph::update()
 	// Do this first; some objects may be de/activated subsequently.
 	bc_.readOnly(lv_->buffer()->isReadonly());
 
-	Buffer * buf = lv_->view()->buffer();
-
 	/// Record the paragraph
 	par_ = getCurrentParagraph();
 
 	fl_set_input(dialog_->input_labelwidth,
-		par_->getLabelWidthString().c_str());
+		     par_->getLabelWidthString().c_str());
 	setEnabled(dialog_->input_labelwidth,
-		(par_->getLabelWidthString() != _("Senseless with this layout!")));
+		   (par_->getLabelWidthString() != _("Senseless with this layout!")));
 
 	fl_set_button(dialog_->radio_align_right, 0);
 	fl_set_button(dialog_->radio_align_left, 0);
 	fl_set_button(dialog_->radio_align_center, 0);
 	fl_set_button(dialog_->radio_align_block, 0);
 
-	LyXTextClass const & tclass = textclasslist[buf->params.textclass];
+	LyXTextClass const & tclass =
+		textclasslist[lv_->view()->buffer()->params.textclass];
 
 	int align = par_->getAlign();
 	if (align == LYX_ALIGN_LAYOUT)
@@ -365,15 +431,15 @@ void FormParagraph::update()
 	setEnabled(dialog_->check_pagebreaks_bottom, !par_->inInset());
 
 	fl_set_button(dialog_->check_lines_top,
-		par_->params().lineTop());
+		      par_->params().lineTop());
 	fl_set_button(dialog_->check_lines_bottom,
-		par_->params().lineBottom());
+		      par_->params().lineBottom());
 	fl_set_button(dialog_->check_pagebreaks_top,
-		par_->params().pagebreakTop());
+		      par_->params().pagebreakTop());
 	fl_set_button(dialog_->check_pagebreaks_bottom,
-		par_->params().pagebreakBottom());
+		      par_->params().pagebreakBottom());
 	fl_set_button(dialog_->check_noindent,
-		par_->params().noindent());
+		      par_->params().noindent());
 
 	int linespacing;
 	Spacing const space = par_->params().spacing();
@@ -396,95 +462,76 @@ void FormParagraph::update()
 		setEnabled(dialog_->input_linespacing, false);
 	}
 
-	fl_set_input (dialog_->input_space_above, "");
-
-	setEnabled(dialog_->input_space_above, false);
-	setEnabled(dialog_->choice_value_space_above, false);
-	switch (par_->params().spaceTop().kind()) {
-		case VSpace::NONE:
-			fl_set_choice (dialog_->choice_space_above, 1);
-			break;
-		case VSpace::DEFSKIP:
-			fl_set_choice (dialog_->choice_space_above, 2);
-			break;
-		case VSpace::SMALLSKIP:
-			fl_set_choice (dialog_->choice_space_above, 3);
-			break;
-		case VSpace::MEDSKIP:
-			fl_set_choice (dialog_->choice_space_above, 4);
-			break;
-		case VSpace::BIGSKIP:
-			fl_set_choice (dialog_->choice_space_above, 5);
-			break;
-		case VSpace::VFILL:
-			fl_set_choice (dialog_->choice_space_above, 6);
-			break;
-		case VSpace::LENGTH: {
-			fl_set_choice (dialog_->choice_space_above, 7);
-			setEnabled(dialog_->input_space_above, true);
-			setEnabled(dialog_->choice_value_space_above, true);
-			bool const metric = lyxrc.default_papersize > 3;
-			string const default_unit = metric ? "cm" : "in";
-			string const length = par_->params().spaceTop().length().asString();
-			updateWidgetsFromLengthString(dialog_->input_space_above,
-			dialog_->choice_value_space_above,
-							length, default_unit);
-			break;
-		}
-	}
-
-	fl_set_button (dialog_->check_space_above,
-	par_->params().spaceTop().keep());
-	fl_set_input (dialog_->input_space_below, "");
-
-	setEnabled(dialog_->input_space_below, false);
-	setEnabled(dialog_->choice_value_space_below, false);
-	switch (par_->params().spaceBottom().kind()) {
-		case VSpace::NONE:
-			fl_set_choice(dialog_->choice_space_below, 1);
-			break;
-		case VSpace::DEFSKIP:
-			fl_set_choice(dialog_->choice_space_below, 2);
-			break;
-		case VSpace::SMALLSKIP:
-			fl_set_choice(dialog_->choice_space_below, 3);
-			break;
-		case VSpace::MEDSKIP:
-			fl_set_choice(dialog_->choice_space_below, 4);
-			break;
-		case VSpace::BIGSKIP:
-			fl_set_choice(dialog_->choice_space_below, 5);
-			break;
-		case VSpace::VFILL:
-			fl_set_choice(dialog_->choice_space_below, 6);
-			break;
-		case VSpace::LENGTH: {
-			fl_set_choice(dialog_->choice_space_below, 7);
-			setEnabled(dialog_->input_space_below, true);
-			setEnabled(dialog_->choice_value_space_below, true);
-			bool const metric = lyxrc.default_papersize > 3;
-			string const default_unit = metric ? "cm" : "in";
-			string const length =
-				par_->params().spaceBottom().length().asString();
-			updateWidgetsFromLengthString(dialog_->input_space_below,
-				dialog_->choice_value_space_below,
-				length, default_unit);
-			break;
-		}
-	}
-
-	fl_set_button(dialog_->check_space_below,
-		par_->params().spaceBottom().keep());
+	setWidgetsFromVSpace(par_->params().spaceTop(),
+			     dialog_->choice_space_above,
+			     dialog_->input_space_above,
+			     dialog_->choice_value_space_above,
+			     dialog_->check_space_above);
+			     
+	setWidgetsFromVSpace(par_->params().spaceBottom(),
+			     dialog_->choice_space_below,
+			     dialog_->input_space_below,
+			     dialog_->choice_value_space_below,
+			     dialog_->check_space_below);
+		     
 	fl_set_button(dialog_->check_noindent,
-		par_->params().noindent());
+		      par_->params().noindent());
 }
 
 
+namespace {
+
+void synchronizeSpaceWidgets(FL_OBJECT * choice_type,
+			     FL_OBJECT * input_length,
+			     FL_OBJECT * choice_length,
+			     bool readonly)
+{
+	// Paranoia check!
+	lyx::Assert(choice_type   && choice_type->objclass   == FL_CHOICE &&
+		    input_length  && input_length->objclass  == FL_INPUT &&
+		    choice_length && choice_length->objclass == FL_CHOICE);
+
+	if (fl_get_choice(choice_type) != 7) {
+		fl_set_input(input_length, "");
+		setEnabled(input_length, false);
+		setEnabled(choice_length, false);
+
+	} else {
+		setEnabled(input_length,  !readonly);
+		setEnabled(choice_length, !readonly);
+
+		string const length = getStringFromInput(input_length);
+
+		if (strip(length).empty()) {
+			bool const metric = lyxrc.default_papersize > 3;
+			int const default_unit = metric ? 8 : 9;
+
+			fl_set_choice(choice_length, default_unit);
+		}
+	}
+}
+ 
+bool validSpaceWidgets(FL_OBJECT * choice_type, FL_OBJECT * input_length)
+{
+	// Paranoia check!
+	lyx::Assert(choice_type  && choice_type->objclass   == FL_CHOICE &&
+		    input_length && input_length->objclass  == FL_INPUT);
+
+	if (fl_get_choice(choice_type) != 7)
+		return true;
+
+	string const input = getStringFromInput(input_length);
+	return (input.empty() ||
+		isValidGlueLength(input) ||
+		isStrDbl(input));
+}
+
+} // namespace anon
+
+ 
 bool FormParagraph::input(FL_OBJECT * ob, long)
 {
-	bool valid = true; 
-
-	fl_hide_object(dialog_->text_warning);
+	clearMessage();
 
 	// First check the buttons which are exclusive and you have to
 	// check only the actuall de/activated button.
@@ -493,77 +540,42 @@ bool FormParagraph::input(FL_OBJECT * ob, long)
 	// impossible to commit senseless data.
 
 	if (ob == dialog_->choice_space_above) {
-		if (fl_get_choice (dialog_->choice_space_above) != 7) {
-			fl_set_input(dialog_->input_space_above, "");
-			setEnabled(dialog_->input_space_above, false);
-			setEnabled(dialog_->choice_value_space_above, false);
-		} else {
-			setEnabled(dialog_->input_space_above,
-				!lv_->buffer()->isReadonly());
-			setEnabled(dialog_->choice_value_space_above,
-				!lv_->buffer()->isReadonly());
-			bool const metric = lyxrc.default_papersize > 3;
-			int const default_unit = metric ? 8 : 9;
-			if (strip(fl_get_input(dialog_->input_space_above)).empty())
-				fl_set_choice(dialog_->choice_value_space_above, default_unit);
-		}
+		synchronizeSpaceWidgets(dialog_->choice_space_above,
+					dialog_->input_space_above,
+					dialog_->choice_value_space_above,
+					lv_->buffer()->isReadonly());
 	}
+
 	if (ob == dialog_->choice_space_below) {
-		if (fl_get_choice (dialog_->choice_space_below) != 7) {
-			fl_set_input(dialog_->input_space_below, "");
-			setEnabled(dialog_->input_space_below, false);
-			setEnabled(dialog_->choice_value_space_below, false);
-		} else {
-			setEnabled(dialog_->input_space_below,
-				!lv_->buffer()->isReadonly());
-			setEnabled(dialog_->choice_value_space_below,
-				!lv_->buffer()->isReadonly());
-			bool const metric = lyxrc.default_papersize > 3;
-			int const default_unit = metric ? 8 : 9;
-			if (strip(fl_get_input(dialog_->input_space_below)).empty())
-				fl_set_choice(dialog_->choice_value_space_below, default_unit);
-		}
+		synchronizeSpaceWidgets(dialog_->choice_space_below,
+					dialog_->input_space_below,
+					dialog_->choice_value_space_below,
+					lv_->buffer()->isReadonly());
 	}
 
-	//
-	// warnings if input is senseless
-	//
-	string input = fl_get_input(dialog_->input_space_above);
-	bool invalid = false;
+	// Display a warning if the input is senseless
+	bool valid = (validSpaceWidgets(dialog_->choice_space_above,
+					dialog_->input_space_above) &&
+		      validSpaceWidgets(dialog_->choice_space_below,
+					dialog_->input_space_below));
 
-	if (fl_get_choice(dialog_->choice_space_above) == 7)
-		invalid = !input.empty() &&
-		          !isValidGlueLength(input) &&
-		          !isStrDbl(input);
-
-	input = fl_get_input(dialog_->input_space_below);
-
-	if (fl_get_choice(dialog_->choice_space_below) == 7)
-		invalid = invalid ||
-			(!input.empty() && !isValidGlueLength(input) && !isStrDbl(input));
-
-	if (ob == dialog_->input_space_above || ob == dialog_->input_space_below) {
-		if (invalid) {
-			fl_set_object_label(dialog_->text_warning,
-				_("Warning: Invalid Length (valid example: 10mm)"));
-			fl_show_object(dialog_->text_warning);
-			return false;
-		} else {
-			fl_hide_object(dialog_->text_warning);
-			return true;
-		}
+	if (!valid) {
+		postWarning(_("Invalid Length (valid example: 10mm)"));
 	}
 
-	if (fl_get_choice (dialog_->choice_linespacing) == 5)
+	int const choice_spacing = fl_get_choice(dialog_->choice_linespacing);
+
+	if (choice_spacing == 5)
 		setEnabled(dialog_->input_linespacing, true);
 	else {
+		fl_set_input(dialog_->input_linespacing, "");
 		setEnabled(dialog_->input_linespacing, false);
-		fl_set_input (dialog_->input_linespacing, "");
 	}
 
-	double spacing(strToDbl(fl_get_input(dialog_->input_linespacing)));
+	double const spacing =
+		strToDbl(getStringFromInput(dialog_->input_linespacing));
 
-	if (fl_get_choice(dialog_->choice_linespacing) == 5 && int(spacing) == 0)
+	if (choice_spacing == 5 && int(spacing) == 0)
 		valid = false;
 
 	return valid;
diff --git a/src/frontends/xforms/FormTabular.C b/src/frontends/xforms/FormTabular.C
index 1ed5fe4035..7ff5036ba0 100644
--- a/src/frontends/xforms/FormTabular.C
+++ b/src/frontends/xforms/FormTabular.C
@@ -111,6 +111,9 @@ void FormTabular::build()
 {
 	dialog_.reset(build_tabular());
 
+	// Allow the base class to control messages
+	setMessageWidget(dialog_->text_warning);
+
 	setPrehandler(dialog_->input_tabular_column);
 	setPrehandler(dialog_->input_tabular_row);
 
@@ -187,7 +190,7 @@ void FormTabular::update()
 	int cell = inset_->getActCell();
 	actCell_ = cell;
 	int column = tabular->column_of_cell(cell) + 1;
-	fl_set_object_label(dialog_->text_warning, "");
+	clearMessage();
 	fl_activate_object(column_options_->input_special_alignment);
 	fl_activate_object(cell_options_->input_special_multialign);
 	fl_activate_object(column_options_->input_column_width);
@@ -555,9 +558,7 @@ bool FormTabular::input(FL_OBJECT * ob, long)
  
 	if (actCell_ != cell) {
 		update();
-		fl_set_object_label(dialog_->text_warning,
-			_("Warning: Wrong Cursor position, updated window"));
-		fl_show_object(dialog_->text_warning);
+		postWarning(_("Wrong Cursor position, updated window"));
 		return false;
 	}
 	// No point in processing directives that you can't do anything with
@@ -578,14 +579,14 @@ bool FormTabular::input(FL_OBJECT * ob, long)
 	string const input =
 		fl_get_input(column_options_->input_column_width);
 	if (!input.empty() && !isValidLength(input) && !isStrDbl(input)) {
-		fl_set_object_label(dialog_->text_warning,
-			_("Warning: Invalid Length (valid example: 10mm)"));
-		fl_show_object(dialog_->text_warning);
+		postWarning(_("Invalid Length (valid example: 10mm)"));
 		return false;
 	}
-		update(); // update for alignment
-		return true;
+
+	update(); // update for alignment
+	return true;
 	}
+	
 	if ((ob == cell_options_->input_mcolumn_width) ||
 		(ob == cell_options_->choice_value_mcolumn_width))
 	{
@@ -598,9 +599,7 @@ bool FormTabular::input(FL_OBJECT * ob, long)
 		string const input =
 			fl_get_input(cell_options_->input_mcolumn_width);
 		if (!input.empty() && !isValidLength(input) && !isStrDbl(input)) {
-			fl_set_object_label(dialog_->text_warning,
-				_("Warning: Invalid Length (valid example: 10mm)"));
-			fl_show_object(dialog_->text_warning);
+			postWarning(_("Invalid Length (valid example: 10mm)"));
 			return false;
 		}
 		update(); // update for alignment