Start MSACCESS Application in specified resolution (and position)

[WGHayes]

Hi,

We are trying to control the starting of our MSACCESS application in a specified resolution (and position). We are currently starting the application maximised by hardcoding a registry key in Access ('Maximized') but would prefer if we can start at a DEFINED screen resolution that is determined by each user. (i.e. 800x600, 1024x768, etc, or just Maximized).

Is this achieved by using WINAPI's or another method?

Also, can the solution include setting the APPLICATION window position? If a user starts Alert in 800x600 and moves the window to bottom right of screen then we would like to save this position on application exit and then reset this again at start-up.

Thanks,
WGH.

 

[Albert D.Kallal]

I am not sure if you ever used a computer before, but if I installed a piece
of
software, and when it ran, it changed the resolution of my system, I would
remove that software, and likely pay the local biker gang some money to hunt
down and teach that person a lesson as to not to mess with my computer.


While the above is a complete fiction response, that above is the TYPICALLY
reaction you will get from users when you mess with their screen resolution.
Users set their screen the way it is because they like it that way.
Further, for reasons of vision problems, or even just the fact that when you
change resolution the MANY icons on my desktop will get re-arranged. Really,
if
you are looking for a way to make users angry at you, and want to
throw your software in the garbage...you certainly win the prize. It is just
plain RUDE to change resolution on a computer. I suggest you try doing this
a few times with you have word, and your web browser open...and see the
results......

I suppose if there was some way to always maximize ms-access when it has the
focus you might get this to work a a bit..but then again, what about using
otter applications such a word etc? How can this switching be handled..and,
do
I really have to your application *always* maximized?

Really, the read you suggest is one of creating complete and utter anger in
your users. I would suggest a different path..

The most common solution is to design your application to a particular
standard,
and then state this as a requirements. So, you develop to 800 x 600. People
will
need at least this resolution to run you software. And, if they run a larger
resolution, then they can see more applications on the screen.

The next approach is to get some software that *scales* your screens to the
given resolution. There is a number low cost commercial ones, and even some
code is included with several books...

I can't stress how wrong, and how much anger users will feel if some piece
of software comes along and changes their screen resolution - especially
with
other applications running...

dont't do it.....

 

[WGHayes]

Albert,

I think you completely missed my point, or, perhaps my wording/teminology
was not entirely clear. I am NOT promoting changing the screen resolution
at all. (I agree this is completely wrong and would never suggest this!)
What I am trying to do is open our application in a specified size (which I
have called 'Screen Resolution'). For example, if the users PC is at
1280x960 and the users wishes to open our application so that it occupies
only part of the available screen real estate (i.e. like restore down
window) then this is what I mean.

See the following example:-

Screen Resolution 1280x960
+-----------------------+
| App Size 800x600 |
| +------------+ |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| +------------+ |
| |
+-----------------------+

Whilst the Users Screen Resolution is 1280x960 I want to have our
application open at a size the resembles an 800x600 window. This is exactly
like using 'Remote Desktop' to open a terminal server session on windows
where you want the VISIBLE screen to occupy only 800x600 of your desktop.

I hope this is clear enough.

Any suggestions now that I have cleared this up?

Thanks,
WGH.

 

[Albert D.Kallal]

I think you completely missed my point,

Yes, I did. Sorry about that. I was harsh, but it was only due to me trying
to prevent you from running off a cliff....

It appears that you were not trying to do this!!

The only real solution here is much as my other suggestion. You still
develop to a standard 800 x 600, or more often today, 1024 x 768.

If you size the main application window, then it should look ok. This
assumes you do NOT maximize the windows inside of the application. If you
maximize the main application, but not the windows inside, then it should
look quite well as your cute diagram shows. This assumes that you forms have
the auto-center = yes, and the auto-resize turned off. I also thurn my
borders to thin, so users can't mess with, or change my form sizes.

. This is exactly like using 'Remote Desktop' to open a terminal server
session on windows where you want the VISIBLE screen to occupy only 800x600
of your desktop.

Remote desktop can re-size a whole screen. Unfortunately, Word, Excel,
ms-access, and most of the office programs do not have ability to re-size
for a given resolution.

If you need both the screen maximized, and the application maximized, then
you have to resort to some re-scaling code.

If you can live with the main application maximized, and then never maximize
your windows inside, then you should be ok . (in fact, this is the approach
I take). Since I turned off the min/max buttons for each form, then when you
open a report in max mode (I do this for all reports), when the report is
closed, the forms below do NOT take on this setting (they don't because you
turned off the min/max setting!!!). So, in theory, some forms could also be
maxed, but when they are closed, the forms below would not be maxed.
However, I ONLY do this for reports. Since I turned off the min/max buttions
for all forms...users can't change this....