Make it look like XP ???

[birthjay]

Hello,

I use Windows 2000. Is there a way of making my applications have the look of XP? In other words, creating a more enhanced user interface?

Thanks!

[Shawn N]

Only by drawing your buttons or using pictures.

[birthjay]

Well,

I found this guy:

http://www.divil.co.uk/net/controls/dotnetwidgets/

But for the sake of conversation, How would I change the title bar to look like XP. Is it possible?

[Shawn N]

That link points you to something that'll draw your buttons - exactly what I said before.

Custom drawing the title bar is completely possible, but involves subclassing and the use of drawing functions - pretty intense.

[Kasracer]

Originally posted by birthjay
Well,

I found this guy:

http://www.divil.co.uk/net/controls/dotnetwidgets/

But for the sake of conversation, How would I change the title bar to look like XP. Is it possible?

I don't recommend the dotnet toolbar. It isn't very good, it requires you to include another DLL for your application, and you gotta pay for it.

I do wish there was an easyer way to do these things, however. You'd think microsoft would of included such features

[dynamic_sysop]

dotnet widgets is free , divil is a top programmer ( if you visit http://www.dotnetforums.net you will see him there ) i would recommend using it if you dont want to build something yourself.
the only time you would be charged for it from my understanding is if you dont wish to include divil's name in the credits for the dotnetwidgets ( ie: try to make it look like your work )
this is direct from the Licensing FAQ section:

I get asked lots of questions on the licensing of my controls so I've prepared this page to hopefully clear things up a bit.

Can I use your controls in my commercial application?

Yes, you can use my controls free of charge without royalties as long as my name appears in the about box (or similar position) in the application.

Can I obtain source to your controls?

No. With the exception of the OurlookBar control, all my controls are closed source. If you find a bug and report it to me, I will fix it. Should I ever stop supporting any of my controls I will make the source available for them. I don't offer the source for sale.

What if I don't want to include your name in my application?

Contact me and we can discuss pricing.

[birthjay]

It seems relatively simple to use. I used the dll but didn't go any further. I did get one of thos "Send error reports" when I tried to manipulate some things. I will most likely try it again.

The only thing he charges for is if you don't include his name in the app. Otherwise it is free to use even in commericial apps.

[Kasracer]

Originally posted by dynamic_sysop
dotnet widgets is free , divil is a top programmer ( if you visit http://www.dotnetforums.net you will see him there ) i would recommend using it if you dont want to build something yourself.
the only time you would be charged for it from my understanding is if you dont wish to include divil's name in the credits for the dotnetwidgets ( ie: try to make it look like your work )
this is direct from the Licensing FAQ section:

Ahh okay, when I tried to use it before, it requiured you to buy it or some crappy pop-up came up.... that was the dotnettoolbar...

[Kasracer]

Erm, these widgets suck. I get lots of nice excemption errors when my program runs with them.... bah

[neodatatype]

I use Windows 2000. Is there a way of making my applications have the look of XP? In other words, creating a more enhanced user interface?

You can also use the Magic library (http://www.dotnetmagic.com/

Is the same used by SharpDevelop.

Bye