Make a form appear always on top

[Rich]

I am writing an application that controls Excel using VB6. I have a control
panel that is a standard VB form and I want it to stay visible when the user
gives focus to Excel. The form has a minimise button that the user can use
to remove it from view. I was wondering if there is a way to make the form
appear always on top or embed the form into Excel so that it always appears
on top and when Excel is minimised the form also minimises.

If anyone can offer any advice it will be greatly appreciated.

Regards

Rich

[challis]

Yes, it is possible

No, it is not easy

To make your form the top most form can be done via win API calls
see

Delcare Function SetWindowPos _
Lib "user32"

in your API viewer.

You have to subclass the excel window to be notified when it
gets minimized then minimize your form as required.

challis

"Rich" <webmaster@dickie-bow.co.uk> wrote:
>
>I am writing an application that controls Excel using VB6. I have a control
>panel that is a standard VB form and I want it to stay visible when the
user
>gives focus to Excel. The form has a minimise button that the user can
use
>to remove it from view. I was wondering if there is a way to make the form
>appear always on top or embed the form into Excel so that it always appears
>on top and when Excel is minimised the form also minimises.
>
>If anyone can offer any advice it will be greatly appreciated.
>
>Regards
>
>Rich

[Rich]

Thnk-you, I'll give it a try. I have never made calls to the win API so unfortunately
I might need further assistance. I'll keep you posted.

regards

Rich

"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>Yes, it is possible
>
>No, it is not easy
>
>To make your form the top most form can be done via win API calls
>see
>
>Delcare Function SetWindowPos _
> Lib "user32"
>
>in your API viewer.
>
>You have to subclass the excel window to be notified when it
>gets minimized then minimize your form as required.
>
>challis
>
>"Rich" <webmaster@dickie-bow.co.uk> wrote:
>>
>>I am writing an application that controls Excel using VB6. I have a control
>>panel that is a standard VB form and I want it to stay visible when the
>user
>>gives focus to Excel. The form has a minimise button that the user can
>use
>>to remove it from view. I was wondering if there is a way to make the
form
>>appear always on top or embed the form into Excel so that it always appears
>>on top and when Excel is minimised the form also minimises.
>>
>>If anyone can offer any advice it will be greatly appreciated.
>>
>>Regards
>>
>>Rich
>

[Rich]

So far I have been able to make my form appear always on top of
Excel (thanks for the info), but I am new to VB and I don't know how to subclass
the excel window to be notified when it gets minimized then minimize my form?

If you can provide further explanation I would be extremely greatful!!!

Rich

"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>Yes, it is possible
>
>No, it is not easy
>
>To make your form the top most form can be done via win API calls
>see
>
>Delcare Function SetWindowPos _
> Lib "user32"
>
>in your API viewer.
>
>You have to subclass the excel window to be notified when it
>gets minimized then minimize your form as required.
>
>challis
>
>"Rich" <webmaster@dickie-bow.co.uk> wrote:
>>
>>I am writing an application that controls Excel using VB6. I have a control
>>panel that is a standard VB form and I want it to stay visible when the
>user
>>gives focus to Excel. The form has a minimise button that the user can
>use
>>to remove it from view. I was wondering if there is a way to make the
form
>>appear always on top or embed the form into Excel so that it always appears
>>on top and when Excel is minimised the form also minimises.
>>
>>If anyone can offer any advice it will be greatly appreciated.
>>
>>Regards
>>
>>Rich
>

[challis]

Hi

Subclassing and the like is rather complex, and I do not have the time necessary
to explain it in enough detail here that I think you should use. There is
however a good article
on Francesco Balena's site at

http://www.vb2themax.com/ArticleBank...ID=ArticleBank

it's located near the end, and contains code samples and all that.

Have a look, there are also other articles that are most informative.

challis


"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.altsom.com> wrote:
>
>So far I have been able to make my form appear always on top of
>Excel (thanks for the info), but I am new to VB and I don't know how to
subclass
>the excel window to be notified when it gets minimized then minimize my
form?
>
>If you can provide further explanation I would be extremely greatful!!!
>
>Rich
>
>"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>>Yes, it is possible
>>
>>No, it is not easy
>>
>>To make your form the top most form can be done via win API calls
>>see
>>
>>Delcare Function SetWindowPos _
>> Lib "user32"
>>
>>in your API viewer.
>>
>>You have to subclass the excel window to be notified when it
>>gets minimized then minimize your form as required.
>>
>>challis
>>
>>"Rich" <webmaster@dickie-bow.co.uk> wrote:
>>>
>>>I am writing an application that controls Excel using VB6. I have a control
>>>panel that is a standard VB form and I want it to stay visible when the
>>user
>>>gives focus to Excel. The form has a minimise button that the user can
>>use
>>>to remove it from view. I was wondering if there is a way to make the
>form
>>>appear always on top or embed the form into Excel so that it always appears
>>>on top and when Excel is minimised the form also minimises.
>>>
>>>If anyone can offer any advice it will be greatly appreciated.
>>>
>>>Regards
>>>
>>>Rich
>>
>

[Rich]

I just had a quick look at the site and it looks like a good source of information.
The article you suggested is exactly what I'm looking for. Thankyou for
your help!!

Regards

"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>Hi
>
>Subclassing and the like is rather complex, and I do not have the time necessary
>to explain it in enough detail here that I think you should use. There is
>however a good article
>on Francesco Balena's site at
>
>http://www.vb2themax.com/ArticleBank...ID=ArticleBank
>
>it's located near the end, and contains code samples and all that.
>
>Have a look, there are also other articles that are most informative.
>
>challis
>
>
>"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.altsom.com> wrote:
>>
>>So far I have been able to make my form appear always on top of
>>Excel (thanks for the info), but I am new to VB and I don't know how to
>subclass
>>the excel window to be notified when it gets minimized then minimize my
>form?
>>
>>If you can provide further explanation I would be extremely greatful!!!
>>
>>Rich
>>
>>"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>Yes, it is possible
>>>
>>>No, it is not easy
>>>
>>>To make your form the top most form can be done via win API calls
>>>see
>>>
>>>Delcare Function SetWindowPos _
>>> Lib "user32"
>>>
>>>in your API viewer.
>>>
>>>You have to subclass the excel window to be notified when it
>>>gets minimized then minimize your form as required.
>>>
>>>challis
>>>
>>>"Rich" <webmaster@dickie-bow.co.uk> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>I am writing an application that controls Excel using VB6. I have a
control
>>>>panel that is a standard VB form and I want it to stay visible when the
>>>user
>>>>gives focus to Excel. The form has a minimise button that the user can
>>>use
>>>>to remove it from view. I was wondering if there is a way to make the
>>form
>>>>appear always on top or embed the form into Excel so that it always appears
>>>>on top and when Excel is minimised the form also minimises.
>>>>
>>>>If anyone can offer any advice it will be greatly appreciated.
>>>>
>>>>Regards
>>>>
>>>>Rich
>>>
>>
>

[challis]

Hi

You are most welcome

challis

"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.alstom.com> wrote:
>
>I just had a quick look at the site and it looks like a good source of information.
> The article you suggested is exactly what I'm looking for. Thankyou for
>your help!!
>
>Regards
>
>"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>>Hi
>>
>>Subclassing and the like is rather complex, and I do not have the time
necessary
>>to explain it in enough detail here that I think you should use. There
is
>>however a good article
>>on Francesco Balena's site at
>>
>>http://www.vb2themax.com/ArticleBank...ID=ArticleBank
>>
>>it's located near the end, and contains code samples and all that.
>>
>>Have a look, there are also other articles that are most informative.
>>
>>challis
>>
>>
>>"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.altsom.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>So far I have been able to make my form appear always on top of
>>>Excel (thanks for the info), but I am new to VB and I don't know how to
>>subclass
>>>the excel window to be notified when it gets minimized then minimize my
>>form?
>>>
>>>If you can provide further explanation I would be extremely greatful!!!
>>>
>>>Rich
>>>
>>>"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>Yes, it is possible
>>>>
>>>>No, it is not easy
>>>>
>>>>To make your form the top most form can be done via win API calls
>>>>see
>>>>
>>>>Delcare Function SetWindowPos _
>>>> Lib "user32"
>>>>
>>>>in your API viewer.
>>>>
>>>>You have to subclass the excel window to be notified when it
>>>>gets minimized then minimize your form as required.
>>>>
>>>>challis
>>>>
>>>>"Rich" <webmaster@dickie-bow.co.uk> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>I am writing an application that controls Excel using VB6. I have a
>control
>>>>>panel that is a standard VB form and I want it to stay visible when
the
>>>>user
>>>>>gives focus to Excel. The form has a minimise button that the user
can
>>>>use
>>>>>to remove it from view. I was wondering if there is a way to make the
>>>form
>>>>>appear always on top or embed the form into Excel so that it always
appears
>>>>>on top and when Excel is minimised the form also minimises.
>>>>>
>>>>>If anyone can offer any advice it will be greatly appreciated.
>>>>>
>>>>>Regards
>>>>>
>>>>>Rich
>>>>
>>>
>>
>

[Rich]

I have been looking through Francesco alena's code and I have tried to use
it without changing anything to sub class the Excel window. I have tried
the following piece of code to subclass the window.

Private Sub Form_Load()
Set FormX = New CFormEvenets
Set FormX.HookedForm = Excel.Application
End Sub

I also changed the return type of HookedForm to Object instead of Form.
I can't find the property hWnd anywhere within Excel that I need to subclass
the window.

Challis can you help?

Rich

>>"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>Hi
>>>
>>>Subclassing and the like is rather complex, and I do not have the time
>necessary
>>>to explain it in enough detail here that I think you should use. There
>is
>>>however a good article
>>>on Francesco Balena's site at
>>>
>>>http://www.vb2themax.com/ArticleBank...ID=ArticleBank
>>>
>>>it's located near the end, and contains code samples and all that.
>>>
>>>Have a look, there are also other articles that are most informative.
>>>
>>>challis
>>>
>>>
>>>"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.altsom.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>So far I have been able to make my form appear always on top of
>>>>Excel (thanks for the info), but I am new to VB and I don't know how
to
>>>subclass
>>>>the excel window to be notified when it gets minimized then minimize
my
>>>form?
>>>>
>>>>If you can provide further explanation I would be extremely greatful!!!
>>>>
>>>>Rich
>>>>
>>>>"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>Yes, it is possible
>>>>>
>>>>>No, it is not easy
>>>>>
>>>>>To make your form the top most form can be done via win API calls
>>>>>see
>>>>>
>>>>>Delcare Function SetWindowPos _
>>>>> Lib "user32"
>>>>>
>>>>>in your API viewer.
>>>>>
>>>>>You have to subclass the excel window to be notified when it
>>>>>gets minimized then minimize your form as required.
>>>>>
>>>>>challis
>>>>>
>>>>>"Rich" <webmaster@dickie-bow.co.uk> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I am writing an application that controls Excel using VB6. I have
a
>>control
>>>>>>panel that is a standard VB form and I want it to stay visible when
>the
>>>>>user
>>>>>>gives focus to Excel. The form has a minimise button that the user
>can
>>>>>use
>>>>>>to remove it from view. I was wondering if there is a way to make
the
>>>>form
>>>>>>appear always on top or embed the form into Excel so that it always
>appears
>>>>>>on top and when Excel is minimised the form also minimises.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>If anyone can offer any advice it will be greatly appreciated.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Regards
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Rich
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>

[challis]

Hi

Use FindWindowEx

Declare Function FindWindowEx _
Lib "user32" _
Alias "FindWindowA" ( _
byval hWndParent as Long, _
byval hWndChildAfter as Long, _
byval lpClassName as String, _
byval lpWindowName as String) _
as Long

Since you are looking for a top level window,
hWndParent = 0
hWndChildAfter = 0 (this lets you enumerate windows)
lpClassName = "" (you may get wrong results when
running two instances of excel when using this)
lpWindowName = [Excel.Application.Caption - I think] but
it's the text that appears in the top part of the window.

The function the returns the hWnd of the window containing the caption. Be
careful, Excel may return it's caption to be "MyFile.xls" when the caption
is actually more like "MS Excel - MyFile.xls". You must supply the name you
see.


I hope this gets you where you want to be

challis


"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.alstom.com> wrote:
>
>I have been looking through Francesco alena's code and I have tried to use
>it without changing anything to sub class the Excel window. I have tried
>the following piece of code to subclass the window.
>
>Private Sub Form_Load()
> Set FormX = New CFormEvenets
> Set FormX.HookedForm = Excel.Application
>End Sub
>
>I also changed the return type of HookedForm to Object instead of Form.

>I can't find the property hWnd anywhere within Excel that I need to subclass
>the window.
>
>Challis can you help?
>
>Rich
>
>>>"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>Hi
>>>>
>>>>Subclassing and the like is rather complex, and I do not have the time
>>necessary
>>>>to explain it in enough detail here that I think you should use. There
>>is
>>>>however a good article
>>>>on Francesco Balena's site at
>>>>
>>>>http://www.vb2themax.com/ArticleBank...ID=ArticleBank
>>>>
>>>>it's located near the end, and contains code samples and all that.
>>>>
>>>>Have a look, there are also other articles that are most informative.
>>>>
>>>>challis
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.altsom.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>So far I have been able to make my form appear always on top of
>>>>>Excel (thanks for the info), but I am new to VB and I don't know how
>to
>>>>subclass
>>>>>the excel window to be notified when it gets minimized then minimize
>my
>>>>form?
>>>>>
>>>>>If you can provide further explanation I would be extremely greatful!!!
>>>>>
>>>>>Rich
>>>>>
>>>>>"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Yes, it is possible
>>>>>>
>>>>>>No, it is not easy
>>>>>>
>>>>>>To make your form the top most form can be done via win API calls
>>>>>>see
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Delcare Function SetWindowPos _
>>>>>> Lib "user32"
>>>>>>
>>>>>>in your API viewer.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>You have to subclass the excel window to be notified when it
>>>>>>gets minimized then minimize your form as required.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>challis
>>>>>>
>>>>>>"Rich" <webmaster@dickie-bow.co.uk> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I am writing an application that controls Excel using VB6. I have
>a
>>>control
>>>>>>>panel that is a standard VB form and I want it to stay visible when
>>the
>>>>>>user
>>>>>>>gives focus to Excel. The form has a minimise button that the user
>>can
>>>>>>use
>>>>>>>to remove it from view. I was wondering if there is a way to make
>the
>>>>>form
>>>>>>>appear always on top or embed the form into Excel so that it always
>>appears
>>>>>>>on top and when Excel is minimised the form also minimises.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>If anyone can offer any advice it will be greatly appreciated.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Regards
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Rich
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>

[Rich]

The function for some reason returns a 0 as the window handle using the Function
below. I have also tried GetActiveWindow (as only one copy Excel will be
open), but I had a problem debugging because the active window was VB.

I also used FindWindow("XLMAIN", 0) and I think the window was subclassed
but an event I defined in CFormEvents class doesn't work.

I have added an event called MinMax that looks at WM_SIZE and when the subclassed
window is minimised it is suppossed to minimise the form.

I create a form which acts as a control panel to control certain things in
Excel. In the Form_Load event for that form I create an Excel application
object and then subclass the window, before the control panel loads. In
the forms module I have the event which applies to the subclassed Excel called
MinMax, but it doesn't react when Excel is minimised or maximised.

I wondered if this sounds like the logical order in which Excel should be
subclassed.

Rich


"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>Hi
>
>Use FindWindowEx
>
>Declare Function FindWindowEx _
> Lib "user32" _
> Alias "FindWindowA" ( _
> byval hWndParent as Long, _
> byval hWndChildAfter as Long, _
> byval lpClassName as String, _
> byval lpWindowName as String) _
> as Long
>
>Since you are looking for a top level window,
>hWndParent = 0
>hWndChildAfter = 0 (this lets you enumerate windows)
>lpClassName = "" (you may get wrong results when
> running two instances of excel when using this)
>lpWindowName = [Excel.Application.Caption - I think] but
> it's the text that appears in the top part of the window.
>
>The function the returns the hWnd of the window containing the caption.
Be
>careful, Excel may return it's caption to be "MyFile.xls" when the caption
>is actually more like "MS Excel - MyFile.xls". You must supply the name
you
>see.
>
>
>I hope this gets you where you want to be
>
>challis
>
>
>"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.alstom.com> wrote:
>>
>>I have been looking through Francesco alena's code and I have tried to
use
>>it without changing anything to sub class the Excel window. I have tried
>>the following piece of code to subclass the window.
>>
>>Private Sub Form_Load()
>> Set FormX = New CFormEvenets
>> Set FormX.HookedForm = Excel.Application
>>End Sub
>>
>>I also changed the return type of HookedForm to Object instead of Form.
>
>>I can't find the property hWnd anywhere within Excel that I need to subclass
>>the window.
>>
>>Challis can you help?
>>
>>Rich
>>
>>>>"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>Hi
>>>>>
>>>>>Subclassing and the like is rather complex, and I do not have the time
>>>necessary
>>>>>to explain it in enough detail here that I think you should use. There
>>>is
>>>>>however a good article
>>>>>on Francesco Balena's site at
>>>>>
>>>>>http://www.vb2themax.com/ArticleBank...ID=ArticleBank
>>>>>
>>>>>it's located near the end, and contains code samples and all that.
>>>>>
>>>>>Have a look, there are also other articles that are most informative.
>>>>>
>>>>>challis
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.altsom.com> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>So far I have been able to make my form appear always on top of
>>>>>>Excel (thanks for the info), but I am new to VB and I don't know how
>>to
>>>>>subclass
>>>>>>the excel window to be notified when it gets minimized then minimize
>>my
>>>>>form?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>If you can provide further explanation I would be extremely greatful!!!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Rich
>>>>>>
>>>>>>"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Yes, it is possible
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>No, it is not easy
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>To make your form the top most form can be done via win API calls
>>>>>>>see
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Delcare Function SetWindowPos _
>>>>>>> Lib "user32"
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>in your API viewer.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>You have to subclass the excel window to be notified when it
>>>>>>>gets minimized then minimize your form as required.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>challis
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>"Rich" <webmaster@dickie-bow.co.uk> wrote:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>I am writing an application that controls Excel using VB6. I have
>>a
>>>>control
>>>>>>>>panel that is a standard VB form and I want it to stay visible when
>>>the
>>>>>>>user
>>>>>>>>gives focus to Excel. The form has a minimise button that the user
>>>can
>>>>>>>use
>>>>>>>>to remove it from view. I was wondering if there is a way to make
>>the
>>>>>>form
>>>>>>>>appear always on top or embed the form into Excel so that it always
>>>appears
>>>>>>>>on top and when Excel is minimised the form also minimises.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>If anyone can offer any advice it will be greatly appreciated.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>Regards
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>Rich
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>

[Rich]

Challis

Since my previous message I have been able to make get my event working in
Francesco's code. When the form is minmized it gives me a message box saying
"Going down." Not very exciting but it worked. So I understand how to subclass
a form.

I am still having problems getting the Excel hWnd value. The following code
is an updated version of the HookedForm property declaration from the CFormEvents
class from FB's code. I have tried all three ways to assign the Excel's
hWnd value to lngExcel_hWnd, but they all return 0, which suggests the window
can't be found. The value Excel.Application is passed to new_Form. If you
can resolve the crisis of getting Excel's handle it would be much appreciated.

Property Set HookedForm(new_Form As Object)
' start the subclassing of a new form

Dim lngExcel_hWnd As Long

' API GetActiveWindow has replaced new_form.hWnd from original code because
' as Excel is an object and not a form it doesn't have a hWnd property.

' only one used at a time.
lngExcel_hWnd = FindWindowEx(0, 0, "", new_Form.Caption)
lngExcel_hWnd = GetActiveWindow
lngExcel_hWnd = FindWindow("XLMAIN", 0)

' do nothing if no real change
If new_Form Is Nothing Then
If lngExcel_hWnd = 0 Then Exit Property
Else
If lngExcel_hWnd = m_hWnd Then Exit Property
End If

' stop current subclassing, if any
If m_hWnd Then
UnhookWindow wndInfoIndex
wndInfoIndex = 0
End If

' save new value
Set m_Form = new_Form

' exit if trying to assign a null object
' (same as stopping subclassing)
If new_Form Is Nothing Then
m_hWnd = 0
Exit Property
End If

' save window handle
m_hWnd = lngExcel_hWnd

' start subclassing, save returned index
wndInfoIndex = HookWindow(Me, m_hWnd)
' signal any error
If wndInfoIndex = 0 Then
Err.Raise 999, "CFormEvents class", "Too many subclassed windows"
End If
End Property


Regards

Rich

[challis]

Hi,

I will look into it this afternoon. In the mean time there is a work around
.... (possibly) go to excel and see if the application object has and hWnd
property.

challis


"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.alstom.com> wrote:
>
>Challis
>
>Since my previous message I have been able to make get my event working
in
>Francesco's code. When the form is minmized it gives me a message box saying
>"Going down." Not very exciting but it worked. So I understand how to subclass
>a form.
>
>I am still having problems getting the Excel hWnd value. The following
code
>is an updated version of the HookedForm property declaration from the CFormEvents
>class from FB's code. I have tried all three ways to assign the Excel's
>hWnd value to lngExcel_hWnd, but they all return 0, which suggests the window
>can't be found. The value Excel.Application is passed to new_Form. If
you
>can resolve the crisis of getting Excel's handle it would be much appreciated.
>
>Property Set HookedForm(new_Form As Object)
> ' start the subclassing of a new form
>
> Dim lngExcel_hWnd As Long
>
> ' API GetActiveWindow has replaced new_form.hWnd from original code
because
> ' as Excel is an object and not a form it doesn't have a hWnd property.
>
> ' only one used at a time.
> lngExcel_hWnd = FindWindowEx(0, 0, "", new_Form.Caption)
> lngExcel_hWnd = GetActiveWindow
> lngExcel_hWnd = FindWindow("XLMAIN", 0)
>
> ' do nothing if no real change
> If new_Form Is Nothing Then
> If lngExcel_hWnd = 0 Then Exit Property
> Else
> If lngExcel_hWnd = m_hWnd Then Exit Property
> End If
>
> ' stop current subclassing, if any
> If m_hWnd Then
> UnhookWindow wndInfoIndex
> wndInfoIndex = 0
> End If
>
> ' save new value
> Set m_Form = new_Form
>
> ' exit if trying to assign a null object
> ' (same as stopping subclassing)
> If new_Form Is Nothing Then
> m_hWnd = 0
> Exit Property
> End If
>
> ' save window handle
> m_hWnd = lngExcel_hWnd
>
> ' start subclassing, save returned index
> wndInfoIndex = HookWindow(Me, m_hWnd)
> ' signal any error
> If wndInfoIndex = 0 Then
> Err.Raise 999, "CFormEvents class", "Too many subclassed windows"
> End If
>End Property
>
>
>Regards
>
>Rich

[Rich]

Challis

Late Friday afternoon I found a solution to the problem below. I can get
Excels hWnd value using the following code:

new_Form.Caption = "New Caption Supplied by Program"
lngExcel_hWnd = FindWindow("XLMAIN", new_Form.Caption)
new_Form.Caption = Empty

This also deals with more than one instance of Excel. The problem I have
now is that when the HookForm procedure is called it doesn't hook the form
because the line:

' enforce new window procedure, get old address
.wndProcAddr = SetWindowLong(hwnd, GWL_WNDPROC, .localProcAddr)

in the With wndInfo(Index) statement in the HookWindow procedure in the HookEvents
bas module is always equal to 0. For some reason it has trouble setting
a value in the internal table related to the specified window and getting
the original value. I don't know why this isn't working. When I do it with
a form I don't have any problems but it seems to have a difficulty with Excel.

Can you help?

Rich

"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>Hi,
>
>I will look into it this afternoon. In the mean time there is a work around
>.... (possibly) go to excel and see if the application object has and hWnd
>property.
>
>challis
>
>
>"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.alstom.com> wrote:
>>
>>Challis
>>
>>Since my previous message I have been able to make get my event working
>in
>>Francesco's code. When the form is minmized it gives me a message box
saying
>>"Going down." Not very exciting but it worked. So I understand how to
subclass
>>a form.
>>
>>I am still having problems getting the Excel hWnd value. The following
>code
>>is an updated version of the HookedForm property declaration from the CFormEvents
>>class from FB's code. I have tried all three ways to assign the Excel's
>>hWnd value to lngExcel_hWnd, but they all return 0, which suggests the
window
>>can't be found. The value Excel.Application is passed to new_Form. If
>you
>>can resolve the crisis of getting Excel's handle it would be much appreciated.
>>
>>Property Set HookedForm(new_Form As Object)
>> ' start the subclassing of a new form
>>
>> Dim lngExcel_hWnd As Long
>>
>> ' API GetActiveWindow has replaced new_form.hWnd from original code
>because
>> ' as Excel is an object and not a form it doesn't have a hWnd property.
>>
>> ' only one used at a time.
>> lngExcel_hWnd = FindWindowEx(0, 0, "", new_Form.Caption)
>> lngExcel_hWnd = GetActiveWindow
>> lngExcel_hWnd = FindWindow("XLMAIN", 0)
>>
>> ' do nothing if no real change
>> If new_Form Is Nothing Then
>> If lngExcel_hWnd = 0 Then Exit Property
>> Else
>> If lngExcel_hWnd = m_hWnd Then Exit Property
>> End If
>>
>> ' stop current subclassing, if any
>> If m_hWnd Then
>> UnhookWindow wndInfoIndex
>> wndInfoIndex = 0
>> End If
>>
>> ' save new value
>> Set m_Form = new_Form
>>
>> ' exit if trying to assign a null object
>> ' (same as stopping subclassing)
>> If new_Form Is Nothing Then
>> m_hWnd = 0
>> Exit Property
>> End If
>>
>> ' save window handle
>> m_hWnd = lngExcel_hWnd
>>
>> ' start subclassing, save returned index
>> wndInfoIndex = HookWindow(Me, m_hWnd)
>> ' signal any error
>> If wndInfoIndex = 0 Then
>> Err.Raise 999, "CFormEvents class", "Too many subclassed windows"
>> End If
>>End Property
>>
>>
>>Regards
>>
>>Rich
>

[Rich]

Challis

Another update. I noticed that my code was never calling the Clas_Terminate
procedure in CFormEvents, which is I know is a bad thing. I have corrected
the problem but I was wondering if I might have done some permanent damage
to Excel because the line:

.wndProcAddr = SetWindowLong(hwnd, GWL_WNDPROC, .localProcAddr)

still returns zero?

I have tried changing the second parameter to GWL_HINSTANCE (-6) which sets
a new application instance handle rather than GWL_WNDPROC (-4) which sets
a new address for the window procedure, but from reading FB's document the
latter is required. I don't know what to do because it isn't subclassing
properly :-(

Can you shead any more light?
Rich

"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.alstom.com> wrote:
>
>Challis
>
>Late Friday afternoon I found a solution to the problem below. I can get
>Excels hWnd value using the following code:
>
>new_Form.Caption = "New Caption Supplied by Program"
>lngExcel_hWnd = FindWindow("XLMAIN", new_Form.Caption)
>new_Form.Caption = Empty
>
>This also deals with more than one instance of Excel. The problem I have
>now is that when the HookForm procedure is called it doesn't hook the form
>because the line:
>
>' enforce new window procedure, get old address
>.wndProcAddr = SetWindowLong(hwnd, GWL_WNDPROC, .localProcAddr)
>
>in the With wndInfo(Index) statement in the HookWindow procedure in the
HookEvents
>bas module is always equal to 0. For some reason it has trouble setting
>a value in the internal table related to the specified window and getting
>the original value. I don't know why this isn't working. When I do it
with
>a form I don't have any problems but it seems to have a difficulty with
Excel.
>
>Can you help?
>
>Rich
>
>"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>>Hi,
>>
>>I will look into it this afternoon. In the mean time there is a work around
>>.... (possibly) go to excel and see if the application object has and hWnd
>>property.
>>
>>challis
>>
>>
>>"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.alstom.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>Challis
>>>
>>>Since my previous message I have been able to make get my event working
>>in
>>>Francesco's code. When the form is minmized it gives me a message box
>saying
>>>"Going down." Not very exciting but it worked. So I understand how to
>subclass
>>>a form.
>>>
>>>I am still having problems getting the Excel hWnd value. The following
>>code
>>>is an updated version of the HookedForm property declaration from the
CFormEvents
>>>class from FB's code. I have tried all three ways to assign the Excel's
>>>hWnd value to lngExcel_hWnd, but they all return 0, which suggests the
>window
>>>can't be found. The value Excel.Application is passed to new_Form. If
>>you
>>>can resolve the crisis of getting Excel's handle it would be much appreciated.
>>>
>>>Property Set HookedForm(new_Form As Object)
>>> ' start the subclassing of a new form
>>>
>>> Dim lngExcel_hWnd As Long
>>>
>>> ' API GetActiveWindow has replaced new_form.hWnd from original code
>>because
>>> ' as Excel is an object and not a form it doesn't have a hWnd property.
>>>
>>> ' only one used at a time.
>>> lngExcel_hWnd = FindWindowEx(0, 0, "", new_Form.Caption)
>>> lngExcel_hWnd = GetActiveWindow
>>> lngExcel_hWnd = FindWindow("XLMAIN", 0)
>>>
>>> ' do nothing if no real change
>>> If new_Form Is Nothing Then
>>> If lngExcel_hWnd = 0 Then Exit Property
>>> Else
>>> If lngExcel_hWnd = m_hWnd Then Exit Property
>>> End If
>>>
>>> ' stop current subclassing, if any
>>> If m_hWnd Then
>>> UnhookWindow wndInfoIndex
>>> wndInfoIndex = 0
>>> End If
>>>
>>> ' save new value
>>> Set m_Form = new_Form
>>>
>>> ' exit if trying to assign a null object
>>> ' (same as stopping subclassing)
>>> If new_Form Is Nothing Then
>>> m_hWnd = 0
>>> Exit Property
>>> End If
>>>
>>> ' save window handle
>>> m_hWnd = lngExcel_hWnd
>>>
>>> ' start subclassing, save returned index
>>> wndInfoIndex = HookWindow(Me, m_hWnd)
>>> ' signal any error
>>> If wndInfoIndex = 0 Then
>>> Err.Raise 999, "CFormEvents class", "Too many subclassed windows"
>>> End If
>>>End Property
>>>
>>>
>>>Regards
>>>
>>>Rich
>>
>

[challis]

Hi

I doubt you have caused any damage that can't be fixed by a reboot. This
is highly unlikely (perhaps possible).

I have not sudied the CFormEvents class, so I am not fully familiar with
it's implementation, but when you call setwindowlong you are diverting the
messages intended for the old address to the one you specify.(The old address
is the windows message handler for a specific window, not application instance
[ie specify a handle to a window not a handle to an instance]). Be sure in
your situation to pass along the intercepted messages to the original handler
at old address! And also ensure you restore the windows handler from your
address back to the old address! This is very important!!

challis

"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.alstom.com> wrote:
>
>Challis
>
>Another update. I noticed that my code was never calling the Clas_Terminate
>procedure in CFormEvents, which is I know is a bad thing. I have corrected
>the problem but I was wondering if I might have done some permanent damage
>to Excel because the line:
>
>.wndProcAddr = SetWindowLong(hwnd, GWL_WNDPROC, .localProcAddr)
>
>still returns zero?
>
>I have tried changing the second parameter to GWL_HINSTANCE (-6) which sets
>a new application instance handle rather than GWL_WNDPROC (-4) which sets
>a new address for the window procedure, but from reading FB's document the
>latter is required. I don't know what to do because it isn't subclassing
>properly :-(
>
>Can you shead any more light?
>Rich
>
>"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.alstom.com> wrote:
>>
>>Challis
>>
>>Late Friday afternoon I found a solution to the problem below. I can get
>>Excels hWnd value using the following code:
>>
>>new_Form.Caption = "New Caption Supplied by Program"
>>lngExcel_hWnd = FindWindow("XLMAIN", new_Form.Caption)
>>new_Form.Caption = Empty
>>
>>This also deals with more than one instance of Excel. The problem I have
>>now is that when the HookForm procedure is called it doesn't hook the form
>>because the line:
>>
>>' enforce new window procedure, get old address
>>.wndProcAddr = SetWindowLong(hwnd, GWL_WNDPROC, .localProcAddr)
>>
>>in the With wndInfo(Index) statement in the HookWindow procedure in the
>HookEvents
>>bas module is always equal to 0. For some reason it has trouble setting
>>a value in the internal table related to the specified window and getting
>>the original value. I don't know why this isn't working. When I do it
>with
>>a form I don't have any problems but it seems to have a difficulty with
>Excel.
>>
>>Can you help?
>>
>>Rich
>>
>>"challis" <bmlx@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>Hi,
>>>
>>>I will look into it this afternoon. In the mean time there is a work around
>>>.... (possibly) go to excel and see if the application object has and
hWnd
>>>property.
>>>
>>>challis
>>>
>>>
>>>"Rich" <richard.bowen@power.alstom.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>Challis
>>>>
>>>>Since my previous message I have been able to make get my event working
>>>in
>>>>Francesco's code. When the form is minmized it gives me a message box
>>saying
>>>>"Going down." Not very exciting but it worked. So I understand how to
>>subclass
>>>>a form.
>>>>
>>>>I am still having problems getting the Excel hWnd value. The following
>>>code
>>>>is an updated version of the HookedForm property declaration from the
>CFormEvents
>>>>class from FB's code. I have tried all three ways to assign the Excel's
>>>>hWnd value to lngExcel_hWnd, but they all return 0, which suggests the
>>window
>>>>can't be found. The value Excel.Application is passed to new_Form.
If
>>>you
>>>>can resolve the crisis of getting Excel's handle it would be much appreciated.
>>>>
>>>>Property Set HookedForm(new_Form As Object)
>>>> ' start the subclassing of a new form
>>>>
>>>> Dim lngExcel_hWnd As Long
>>>>
>>>> ' API GetActiveWindow has replaced new_form.hWnd from original code
>>>because
>>>> ' as Excel is an object and not a form it doesn't have a hWnd property.
>>>>
>>>> ' only one used at a time.
>>>> lngExcel_hWnd = FindWindowEx(0, 0, "", new_Form.Caption)
>>>> lngExcel_hWnd = GetActiveWindow
>>>> lngExcel_hWnd = FindWindow("XLMAIN", 0)
>>>>
>>>> ' do nothing if no real change
>>>> If new_Form Is Nothing Then
>>>> If lngExcel_hWnd = 0 Then Exit Property
>>>> Else
>>>> If lngExcel_hWnd = m_hWnd Then Exit Property
>>>> End If
>>>>
>>>> ' stop current subclassing, if any
>>>> If m_hWnd Then
>>>> UnhookWindow wndInfoIndex
>>>> wndInfoIndex = 0
>>>> End If
>>>>
>>>> ' save new value
>>>> Set m_Form = new_Form
>>>>
>>>> ' exit if trying to assign a null object
>>>> ' (same as stopping subclassing)
>>>> If new_Form Is Nothing Then
>>>> m_hWnd = 0
>>>> Exit Property
>>>> End If
>>>>
>>>> ' save window handle
>>>> m_hWnd = lngExcel_hWnd
>>>>
>>>> ' start subclassing, save returned index
>>>> wndInfoIndex = HookWindow(Me, m_hWnd)
>>>> ' signal any error
>>>> If wndInfoIndex = 0 Then
>>>> Err.Raise 999, "CFormEvents class", "Too many subclassed windows"
>>>> End If
>>>>End Property
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Regards
>>>>
>>>>Rich
>>>
>>
>