How can I load a MDI child form without displaying it?

[Thrakazog]

I've got this code in my MDI form:

Dim strHandle As String
Dim frmTest As New Form
frmTest.MdiParent = Me
frmTest.Visible = False
strHandle = frmTest.Handle.ToString

The problem is that frmTest displays itself when I read the Handle information. The form isn't supposed to be visible. I need it fully loaded so I can access properties/methods. But I don't want it displayed until the user needs it.

How can I load a form and access it without it displaying??

Thanks.

 

[ThatRickGuy]

try sticking me.visible=false in the load event of the form.

-Rick

VB.Net Forum forum796 forum855 ASP.NET Forum
I believe in killer coding ninja monkeys.

 

[Thrakazog]

Thanks Rick, but that doesn't do it either. I think the biggest problem is that I need to ask the form for it's handle. This seems to force it to display itself.

I'm starting to suspect that it can't get a windows handle without creating the window. DOH!

 

[ThatRickGuy]

I beleive that is a correct assumption.

-Rick

VB.Net Forum forum796 forum855 ASP.NET Forum
I believe in killer coding ninja monkeys.

 

[earthandfire]

Cheat .....

Public Class ChildForm2
    Inherits System.Windows.Forms.Form

#Region " Windows Form Designer generated code "

  Public Sub New([b]ByRef[/b] MyHandle As IntPtr)
    MyBase.New()

    'This call is required by the Windows Form Designer.
    InitializeComponent()

    MyHandle = Me.Handle

    'Add any initialization after the InitializeComponent() call

  End Sub

    Dim cf2Handle As IntPtr
    cf2 = New ChildForm2(cf2Handle)
    cf2.MdiParent = Me
    MessageBox.Show(cf2Handle.ToString)
    'cf2.Show()

Hope this helps.