Embedded HTML

[bont]

I wanted to build a generic form which does nothing but display a Microsoft Web Browser. I did this using the Active X Reference (Let me know if there is a better way in VB.net).

My problem was that I pass 2 params during creation of the form object, the form title and the URL to load. I tried to load the single AX control in the NEW and the LOAD routines; however, it appeared to hang.

I then realized the process' outcome (window refresh) was not being caught as neither the Load or NEW routines waited for the AX return.

I fixed this by starting a thread:

    Private Sub frm_DisplayHTML_Load(ByVal sender As _
            System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) _
              Handles MyBase.Load
        Dim t As Thread
        t = New Thread(AddressOf Me.LoadFile)
        t.Start()
        frmMain.Refresh()
    End Sub

    Private Sub LoadFile()
        Dim nullObject As System.Object = 0
        Dim str As String = ""
        Dim nullObjStr As System.Object = str
        Cursor.Current = Cursors.WaitCursor
        axIE.Navigate("file://" & HTMLFile, nullObject, _
               nullObjStr, nullObjStr, nullObjStr)
        Cursor.Current = Cursors.Default
    End Sub

The only other change was to refresh the main form as the drawing is corrupted a little after the secondary thread is terminated.