Give XP Look to VB6

[Ali Rizwan]

Hi All.
Yesterday I was searching on the net for something new for VB when I found a technique by which I am able to convert my VB6 applications into XP styles.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?>
<assembly xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:asm.v1" manifestVersion="1.0">
<assemblyIdentity
   version="1.0.0.0"
   processorArchitecture="X86"
   name="Microsoft.VB6.VBnetStyles"
   type="win32"
/>
<description>VBnet Manifest for VB6 IDE</description>
<dependency>
   <dependentAssembly>
     <assemblyIdentity
       type="win32"
       name="Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls"
       version="6.0.0.0"
       processorArchitecture="X86"
       publicKeyToken="6595b64144ccf1df"
       language="*"
     />
   </dependentAssembly>
</dependency>
</assembly>

Edit this code in Notepad and save it as VB6.exe.manifest, then copy it to the VB directory (where the VB6.exe file resides). Then start a new project and add some buttons, combo boxes etc and compile an exe from it. Suppose it's name is app.exe. Then rename make another manifest file and copy it to your applications directory and take a XP look.

Thanks to the person from whom I get this code.

[pureenhanoi]

... convert my vb6 applications into XP Styles ...

Yah, using Manifest file can bring up some Controls into Xp-Style (Button, TextBox, Label, Frame...). I'ver never try copy an Manifest file to VB6 directory, but using a manifest file in my App dir and call InitCommonControls() API function will get the same result.
Application using Manifest file to bring up Xp-Style will get some error on interface. If you put Label and TextBox into Frame, it will be flash when mouse move over. If you put CommandButtons, OptionButtons into Frame, the buttons' border will be rounded with black, and optionbuttons will get black back-color.
Instead of Intrinsic controls, all other controls cannot get Xp-Style (Listview, TreeView, SSTab).
If your application was small, use xp-style will get no problem. If its not, Xp-Style by Manifest isnot suit.

[Killer42]

Thanks for that, Ali.

One question - could you please clarify what you mean by this sentence?

Then rename make another manifest file and copy it to your applications directory and take a XP look.

[Ali Rizwan]

Thanks for that, Ali.

One question - could you please clarify what you mean by this sentence?

Then rename make another manifest file and copy it to your applications directory and take a XP look.

Hello Killer.
Suppose you have made an exe of your applicatio named myapp.
Rename your manifest file into myapp (You created) directory.
And excute the myapp.exe, and see a XP Look.

Remember rename your manifest file as myapp.exe.manifest

[Ali Rizwan]

Yah, using Manifest file can bring up some Controls into Xp-Style (Button, TextBox, Label, Frame...). I'ver never try copy an Manifest file to VB6 directory, but using a manifest file in my App dir and call InitCommonControls() API function will get the same result.
Application using Manifest file to bring up Xp-Style will get some error on interface. If you put Label and TextBox into Frame, it will be flash when mouse move over. If you put CommandButtons, OptionButtons into Frame, the buttons' border will be rounded with black, and optionbuttons will get black back-color.
Instead of Intrinsic controls, all other controls cannot get Xp-Style (Listview, TreeView, SSTab).
If your application was small, use xp-style will get no problem. If its not, Xp-Style by Manifest isnot suit.

Thanks for that.
I will check it. But i m using it on my application which has a large number of forms and control and is doing well i have no problem yet. And if there is any problem then delete your manifest file from your applications directory.

[Killer42]

Suppose you have made an exe ...

So, you mean I should make a copy of the manifest file, in the project folder, and rename that copy to match the name of the new application?

I just want to be clear on this - we're not talking about renaming the one in the VB folder, at all?

[NONAME7943]

Yah, using Manifest file can bring up some Controls into Xp-Style (Button, TextBox, Label, Frame...). I'ver never try copy an Manifest file to VB6 directory, but using a manifest file in my App dir and call InitCommonControls() API function will get the same result.
Application using Manifest file to bring up Xp-Style will get some error on interface. If you put Label and TextBox into Frame, it will be flash when mouse move over. If you put CommandButtons, OptionButtons into Frame, the buttons' border will be rounded with black, and optionbuttons will get black back-color.
Instead of Intrinsic controls, all other controls cannot get Xp-Style (Listview, TreeView, SSTab).
If your application was small, use xp-style will get no problem. If its not, Xp-Style by Manifest isnot suit.

It's easy to fix these problems. Put a PictureBox into a Frame, then put your CommandButtons, OptionButtions etc. into the Frame. It will be OK. If you wanna get a Xp-Style for Treeview, Listview....the component should be "Microsoft Windows Common Controls 5.0", the version 6.0 will not work at the Manifest..

[Killer42]

Thanks for the tips.

[daniel aristidou]

Does anyone know how to do anything like this for Vista?

[Killer42]

Does anyone know how to do anything like this for Vista?

Have you tried it this way?

[Ali Rizwan]

Does anyone know how to do anything like this for Vista?

Yeah
Download attachment from my article

>>> Vista WIndow Style to VB <<<

Plz Comment it

GOOD LUCK
ALI