Simple DirectX Graphics problem

[kerrang]

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your help please.
I'm currently converting a C# program into VB.NET. I can't get hold of the author and I don't know any C# programmers, and now I'm stuck! I don't consider myself a C# programmer - yet

The problem lies when I run the C# code. It builds with no errors However, when I run the C# code it grumbles at this line (see below):

// This call is required by the Windows.Forms Form Designer.
InitializeComponent();
backGroundColor = Color.Blue;
bitmap = new  Bitmap("MyPointer.bmp"); <- *** THIS LINE *** :confused:
bitmap.MakeTransparent( Color.Black );

The error message says:
An unhandled exception of type 'System.ArgumentException' occurred in system.drawing.dll
Additional information: Invalid parameter used.


Any help is gratefully received

Kerrang

PS
MyPointer is a small bitmap on a User Control.
There are two references one to Microsoft.DirectX and one to Microsoft.DirectX.DirectDraw.

[BodwadUK]

Do you need the full path for the bitmap???

[kerrang]

It seems I don't. I have tried with the full path but get the same error. I have since ported this to VB.NET and I get the same error message.

[BodwadUK]

Your variable name isnt considered reserved is it? Eg bitmap as Bitmap

[kerrang]

Aaah! good point... But no. However, I did change it to prove it:

backGroundColor = Color.Blue;
bit_map = new  Bitmap("MyPointer.bmp");
bit_map.MakeTransparent( Color.Black );

..but alas, I get the same error message.

[BodwadUK]

Sounds like they might have added an extra parameter that needs to be passed to it

I havent got VB.net so I cant look

Does this make any sense to you?
New Bitmap(Filename:="filename")

[BodwadUK]

Dim bit As Bitmap = New Bitmap(Me.Width, Me.Height)

anything? This has height and width params

[kerrang]

I've tried this with your information:

BackGroundColor = Color.Blue
bit_map = New Bitmap("MyPointer.bmp", 56, 152)
bit_map.MakeTransparent(Color.Black)

but with no luck

[kerrang]

I forgot to say that the named parameter (:="filename") didn't work either!

[BodwadUK]

Does it come up with the list of required parameters when you type???

e,g Bitmap(Height,Width,Filename)

etc

[kerrang]

yep!
The Bitmap class is overloaded with 12 options.

bit_map = New Bitmap("MyPointer.bmp", 56, 152)

is legal. However, I'm converting code from C# to VB.NET and since they are both .NET languages there shouldn't be a problem with parameters

When I run this line I get:
Cast from string "MyPointer.bmp" to Integer not valid
or something silimlar.

So I 've gone back to:

bit_map = New Bitmap("MyPointer.bmp")

for now...
Since the original code has this.

I'm beginning to think it could be a .NET bug!
I'm still working on it though

[BodwadUK]

You try a different file?

[kerrang]

Nice one, I didn't think of that! I was so focused on this bit map.
:
:
.. I've just tried another bitmap on my User Control . This time I can get the user control to stay on the form but when I run it I get the same error message.

So, this has given me food for thought Something, in the way .NET handles/loads bitmaps maybe?

For now I will just draw a line and use that as my pointer until I can get to the bottom of this.

BodwadUK, thanks for your efforts it is appricated. I haven't given up though I'll try again later today.

Kerrang