[RESOLVED] Dock .exe in panel

[Samurai X]

Hello,

I have a list of files displayed in a listbox.
when I select a file from the listbox i want the file to load into a panel on my form.
i.e. if its a word document word will open in the panel, if its a pdf reader wil open into the panel.

I can get the files to load externally using

Dim ProcStart As New ProcessStartInfo
ProcStart.FileName = ListBox1.SelectedItem
Process.Start(ProcStart)

however i am unsure of how to get it to then dock in my panel. I tried

Me.Panel1.Controls.Add(ProcStart)

but this is obviously wrong as I can't add a process as a control.

Do i need to create an instance of the program (i.e. word) and then dock that?

thanks for looking!

[Crzyrio]

Do you require the user to edit the file as well? Or simply view?

Instead of starting a whole new process, you can simple open the word document in the Webbrowser control. It is capable of handling most text files

Also if you ever need to use word application externally, I would recommended using the com interface available. --> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316383

[Samurai X]

Hello Crzyrio,

Thanks for replying!

No the user wont be editing the documents just viewing them.

I will take a look at the article that you have attached.

Will it work for other file types such as excel and pdf?

Thanks again!!

[Crzyrio]

Hello Crzyrio,

Thanks for replying!

No the user wont be editing the documents just viewing them.

I will take a look at the article that you have attached.

Will it work for other file types such as excel and pdf?

Thanks again!!

Yup, it can handle pdf and excel as well.

What ever documents internet explorer can open, the webbrowser will as well.

Take a look at these 2 threads, their question is very similar to yours and they have some code snippets.

http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.p...rowser-control

http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.p...-sheet-problem

EDIT: Msdn link showing you how to open Office documents in webbroswer. --> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304643/en-us

Sorry for all the links, I am unable to open past projects at the moment.

[Samurai X]

Thanks again,

I will read over the links today and see how i get on!

[Samurai X]

Hello again!
I have got my web browser working, but it will only display pdf's in the web browser that I have docked to my pannel.
word documents open in word and it says navigation cancelled in the web browser?!
i will have a read through the links you posted again to see if i can find an explanation there!

Thanks again it's near enough doing what i want!!!

[Samurai X]

It seems that office 2007 and later will not open by default in the web browser,
i found this article that provides a work around!!
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927009