GUI - XP Themes and Use of TabControl

[Max]

This is a two part question. First, how does one go about designing
forms that can reflect the XP theme? Take the TabControl for example,
even on default the one that you can use in VB.NET looks different from
the one that appears in all XP programs. Is it some reference that I
need to add, or what?

Second question is specifically about TabControl (at least I think it
is). We've all seen stuff like install programs, wizards, settings view,
etc... Forms where you have some content, click the "next" button, and
all the content changes completely. Now I'm sure it's not done with the
visible property, so how would I go about making something like that? I
started thinking about doing this with a tab control, but the problem
with that is that it is controlled by the user and there is no way of
getting rid of the tabs. I've even tried setting the size f the tab to
(1,1), but that just looks like crap. Any tips? Thanks in advance.

 

[Herfried K. Wagner [MVP]]

This is a two part question. First, how does one go about designing
forms that can reflect the XP theme? Take the TabControl for example,
even on default the one that you can use in VB.NET looks different
from the one that appears in all XP programs. Is it some reference
that I need to add, or what?

That's a limitation of the tabcontrol. It's fixed in the .NET 2.0
tabcontrol which will (hopefully) ship in 2005.

In the meantime:

Second question is specifically about TabControl (at least I think it
is). We've all seen stuff like install programs, wizards, settings
view, etc... Forms where you have some content, click the "next"
button, and all the content changes completely. Now I'm sure it's not
done with the visible property, so how would I go about making
something like that?

I remember the magic library includes a wizard framework:

<URL:http://www.dotnetmagic.com/> (commercial solution)

Other samples (in C#):

<URL:http://www.codeproject.com/cs/miscctrl/tswizard.asp>
<URL:http://www.codeproject.com/cs/miscctrl/ak_wizard.asp>

 

[Max]

That's a limitation of the tabcontrol. It's fixed in the .NET 2.0
tabcontrol which will (hopefully) ship in 2005.

So that goes for all the other controls as well? No XP look in VB?

Wish I had enough time to learn C++ for Windows, all I know is
dos/console and not a clue as to where to even start in order to transition.

 

[Max]

That's a limitation of the tabcontrol. It's fixed in the .NET 2.0
tabcontrol which will (hopefully) ship in 2005.

Actually, tkae a look at this:
http://www.developer.com/net/asp/article.php/3101831
Works great, tried it on buttons and tabcontrols and it sets both to
look like the XP theme.

Another one is here:
http://searchvb.techtarget.com/vsnetATEAnswers/0,293820,sid8_gci949553_tax293674,00.html
Just be sure to use the full app name "myapp.exe.manifest" because it
won't work without the .exe.

 

[Herfried K. Wagner [MVP]]

Actually, tkae a look at this:
http://www.developer.com/net/asp/article.php/3101831

Works great, tried it on buttons and tabcontrols and it sets both to
look like the XP theme.

.... but the "client" area of the TabControl won't be drawn correctly, AFAIS.

Another one is here:
http://searchvb.techtarget.com/vsnetATEAnswers/0,293820,sid8_gci949553_tax293674,00.html

Just be sure to use the full app name "myapp.exe.manifest" because it
won't work without the .exe.

I know. My FAQ on this topic:

<URL:http://groups.google.de/[email protected]>

 

[Herfried K. Wagner [MVP]]

So that goes for all the other controls as well? No XP look in VB?

Well, XP look is supported. See my other reply for links. I thought
you were referring to a solution for the "Windows XP styled tabcontrol
bug".