DLL's and Forms

Is it wise to use ActiveX DLL's to store information of a GUI? What I mean is, is it OK to store Forms in a DLL file and open them through methods?

If not, how about in Active X EXE's?

If still no, what would be the best way to store GUI's modularly so that when I want to update it, I do not have to change the whole thing?

thank you

I display forms in ActiveX DLL's all the time and don't have any problems.

What exactly are you concerned about?

I get this error.

Title: Component Request Pending

An action cannot be completed because a component (whatever the DLL) is not responding. Choose "Switch To" to activate the component and correct the problem.

this is the code:

-> the DLL (Test.DLL)

' in the DLL, I have a form (Form1) and a class module (Module1)

'Form1
'I have 1 command button for Form1

Private Sub Command1_Click
msgBox ("Hello World")
End Sub

'Module1
Public Sub Show
Form1.Show
End Sub

-> the EXE Project

'I have 1 form ProjForm and 1 command button CommandProj

Private Sub CommandProj_Click
Dim Message As New Test.Module1
Message.Show
End Sub

Please help if you could.

* thanks *

manofprayer are u sure that u'r dll has been really converted to a file with the extension .dll ?...since sometimes it'll go for "make project" and even though u can refer it from a client form u'll get the error u have mentioned...so try again to convert it into dll and refer it again in the client side...all the best.

In your DLL you should instantiate Form1 rather than just showing it. Also, try showing it modally.

i.e.

Dim frm As Form1

Set frm = New Form1

frm.Show vbModal

There is no need for instancing the form since i tried the exact code of manofprayer and is working fine!!

It's always a good idea to instantiate your forms so you always know when you use a form whether it is a new instance or a previously existing instance.

manofprayer,

Does your form eventually get displayed (even if you have to click on 'Switch To'? I only ask as there is a timeout setting which dictates how long a project waits for a response from a component after a request has been made. This defaults to 0 but can be changed...

I actually can't remember how to change it now but it can be done, honest!

first t answer your question:
- yes, when you click the 'Switch To ...' the Form does gets displayed.

something strange:
-when I tried it out at home, 'coz you said it works, I noticed something different from the properties of the DLL that I've created at the office and the one I did at home. I noticed that the 'Unattended Execution' check box is disabled at home (and to let you know, my program worked well at home) and here in the office it was enabled!

- do you have an answer for this?

thank you.