forum.vdsworld.com

LiquidCode · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2003 6:09 pm Post subject: Clip Desktop Space

Is there a way with API to clip out a space on the desktop, the way the taskbar does when always ontop? I looked in the Win32 help file, but, could not find anything.

Thanks

CodeScript · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2003 6:25 pm Post subject:

Garrett · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2003 7:25 pm Post subject:

It is possible of course, but not sure in VDS. I saw an example in another
language once, and I tried my hind end off to find a way in VDS at the time
to do this also.

If anyone can figure it out, it'll be codescript or dragonsphere.

-Garrett

FreezingFire · **Admin Team** Joined: 23 Jun 2002 Posts: 3508

The Microsoft Office Shortcut Bar does this with great ease, it doesn't
take long or anything, and clips the desktop space fast. I'll see if I can
find any examples in another programming language for this. Smile

LiquidCode · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2003 8:27 pm Post subject:

PGWARE · **Web Host** Joined: 29 Dec 2001 Posts: 1565

I think definately you would have to create an appbar similar to the windows taskbar but define the size as you see fit. Also the appbar must be anchored to an edge of the screen. I don't know if this is possible in VDS to build or not alone, however it's likely gadget can do this since it's api abilities are more robust.

The Windows Api suggest sending a ABM_NEW message to register a new appbar. This message requires a APPBARDATA structure which consists of the size of the appbardata, handle of appbar, callback message identifier, edge flags, rect structure

SnarlingSheep · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2003 3:41 am Post subject:

I'm sure it'd be fun in VDS, but to start with you need a toolwindow(same as SMALLCAP in VDS?) and to use SHAppBarMessage to register it as an AppBar. You can find some info at:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/shellcc/platform/shell/reference/functions/shappbarmessage.asp

CodeScript · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2003 11:03 am Post subject:

I have written a crude code.
I am unsure how to manage the the CallbackMessage member as there is nothing equivalent in VDS.
In VB one can use AddressOf function. I have set it to zero.
Obvoiusly then it won't work althogh return codes are OK.
Some one have a idea for workaround.

SnarlingSheep · Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2003 5:37 pm Post subject:

The callback just wants a message number to send to your appbar. You should be able to use OPTION MSGEVENT.

CodeScript · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2003 6:17 am Post subject:

Somehow I don't seem to get it work even using WM_USER+num message number as callback. Most likely problem with structure. I will give a try in VB. If it works that can be used I think ?

vdsalchemist · Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2003 2:42 pm Post subject:

CodeScript · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2003 6:17 pm Post subject:

No it didn't work Sad

I haven't found a way in VDS as of now though i have
been able to do it in VB.
I will shortly post a VB activex dll for those who like VB Wink

.

CodeScript · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2003 2:34 pm Post subject:

OK here is the dll for those who don't have any problems having VB 6 runtime on their system.
It comes along with XP operating system.
I do understand some may not like having the VB runtime on
their system.
http://codescript.vdsworld.com/VDS5src/appbar.zip

A DSU wraps all the functions including registering the dll into easy VDS commands.
Most of you might be using many freewres wriiten in VB.
So u might be already having VB6 runtime.
If you don't then you can download it here.
http://codescript.vdsworld.com/VDS5src/msvbvm60.zip
If someone succeeds in pure VDS let me know.

Enjoy.

Garrett · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2003 8:01 pm Post subject:

Codescript, thanks for looking into this for everyone and also for providing
a work around via the vb dll. Smile

I know I appreciate it. I've been
waiting for a solution to this for a few years now for two apps that I've been
holding here all this time.

-Garrett

CodeScript · Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2003 2:00 am Post subject:

Thanks Garett for the compliments. Smile