Setting DOS screen Properties

Hey gang

I have to run reports in a DOS based program but like to multi-task and do other things while the DOS is running.
The only problem with this is that the "Always Suspend" under Background is always checked under the Misc. tab of Properties (when I Alt-Enter on the DOS program to produce the windows/DOS window). You dig?

How do I get that box to stay un-checked? I have messed around (both on and off) with the "Restore Settings on Startup" under the Screen Tab of Properties... to no avail. Any ideas? There has to be something I am missing.
Oh, and I also tried to right click on the .exe in Windows Explorer and set the Properties from there... again, to no avail.

Rename any current pif files for the app. then create a short cut for it and set its properties before running it.

May very well lock up so be careful :)