Create Desktop Side bar using VC++ ATL MFC

Question

Hi,
  I want to create a desktop side bar for Windows xp and Vista like a google desktop using VC++ MFC ATL so pls give me a way to create this application.
Thanks.

Answer 1

The desktop is managed by the OS. You can't draw anything in there that is persistent through an application.

Answer 2

Hello,

Please see http://www.codeproject.com/KB/toolbars/AppBar.aspx
I guess this is a good example of what you need.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Hello Megaau,

Apart from dumitru's suggestion, the following article is also worth reading.
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/wtl/CAppBar.aspx

Thanks,
Rong-Chun Zhang
MSDN Subscriber Support in Forum
If you have any feedback on our support, please contact [e-mail]

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Answer 4

Some kind of solution:

# Create a dialog based application

# make the dialog as topmost

# Skin the dialog as per your desire (You can search in codeguru or codeproject for this)

# Position the dialog on the desktop (Better on right hand side to not to hiding the desktop icons)

# In the timer, check for the desktop window using find window api, if you found maximize your dialog. if it is not the desktop window minimize your dialog. (This is not to show your dialog when any other window is maximized on desktop)


Important note: It is a Layman's kind of explanation to reach towards your goal. Not the exact solution. Viewers please keep this in mind to fire queries on this post.

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Answer 5

Hello Megaau,

Have you got any progress on this issue? If there is anything else we can help, welcome to post here.

Thanks,
Rong-Chun Zhang
MSDN Subscriber Support in Forum
If you have any feedback on our support, please contact [e-mail]

---

Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help and unmark them if they provide no help.
Welcome to the All-In-One Code Framework! If you have any feedback, please tell us.