problem with vb.net and powerpoint automation

[Rut]

Does anyone know how to start powerpoint from vb.net without the ppt
screen appearing. I want to keep it hidden? Using this code:

Try
pp = New PowerPoint.Application
pp.Visible = Office.MsoTriState.msoTrue
pp.WindowState =
PowerPoint.PpWindowState.ppWindowMinimized

Application.DoEvents()
Catch ex As Exception
MsgBox("Error opening powerpoint. Error is: " &
ex.ToString)
Me.Close()
Exit Sub
End Try

The main ppt screen appears momentarily and then minimizes. I've tried
setting .visible to false and get error message: Invalid operation.
Hiding application is not allowed.

Is there some way to lock the screen to prevent this initial
flickering?

Thanks,
RUt
Post a follow-up

 

[Ben M. Schorr, MVP-OneNote]

Does anyone know how to start powerpoint from vb.net without the ppt
screen appearing. I want to keep it hidden? Using this code:

Is there some way to lock the screen to prevent this initial
flickering?

What if you pass the /S command-line switch to PowerPoint when you start
it? That's supposed to suppress the splash screen.

 

[Mike Rutledge Rutledge]

Since I'm using the object model, there is no way to pass command line
parameters (that I'm aware of).

Thanks,
rut