WindowsXP manifest component....

[derox]

I'd like to see a manifest component like in Delphi which make your application adapt XP look...  

[Lightning]

This can be done verry easy by using a rc/res file, see IDE files
The best approach would be to integrate Version, Icons and Manifest directly into the IDE

[Anonymous]

If you have a myprogram.exe then create a file which called myprogram.exe.manifes and copy-paste
it to the file:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?>
<assembly xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:asm.v1"
manifestVersion="1.0">
<assemblyIdentity
processorArchitecture="*"
version="1.0.0.0"
type="win32"
name="myprogram"/>
<description>programom</description>
<dependency>
<dependentAssembly>
<assemblyIdentity
type="win32"
name="Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls"
version="6.0.0.0"
publicKeyToken="6595b64144ccf1df"
language="*"
processorArchitecture="*" />
</dependentAssembly>
</dependency>
</assembly>

Voila! XP looks.

[Edwin]

Or try the component that Vins made:

I made a freeware componet for WinXP users. Here is what it does:

It makes your application have a WinXP Style look  
It adds a default icon to your application.(the icon can be changed very easy)

So when you place this component on you projects form or when you add it in the "uses" of the source file your application will become with an XP Style and with an icon without playing with "RES" and "MANIFEST" files  

You can download it directly form:
http://ecologybook.openfmi.net/tempfiles/WinXp.rar

If it works, thank Vins!

Edwin

[Vincent Snijders]

If you have a myprogram.exe then create a file which called myprogram.exe.manifes and copy-paste
it to the file:

....

Voila! XP looks.

Usefull information, I added this to the FAQ.

Feel free to add stuff like this yourself too.

[Vincent Snijders]

I made a freeware componet for WinXP users. Here is what it does:

You can download it directly form:
http://ecologybook.openfmi.net/tempfiles/WinXp.rar

I haven't tried it, but it looks very useful.

Do you want me to publish this component on the Lazarus Code and Component Repository? If yes, create a page describing this component like this one and I will upload the archive to the files area.

[Marc]

I don't see a long life for this.
The reason an XP app needs a manifest is to distinguis between an old, common controls 5 using, app and a new, common controls 6 using, app. This to prevent crashing apps using obsolete 5 techniques. Since lazarus is common controls 6 aware, I think Lazarus should generate/create a manifest for win32 apps.

[Anonymous]

Any progress with this ? Creating additional resource for XP look seems not hard work for IDE , right ?

[spaceturner]

Or try the component that Vins made:

I made a freeware componet for WinXP users. Here is what it does:

It makes your application have a WinXP Style look  
It adds a default icon to your application.(the icon can be changed very easy)

So when you place this component on you projects form or when you add it in the "uses" of the source file your application will become with an XP Style and with an icon without playing with "RES" and "MANIFEST" files  

You can download it directly form:
http://ecologybook.openfmi.net/tempfiles/WinXp.rar

If it works, thank Vins!

Edwin

Make this component included in the installation package in lazarus!

[vins]

I have an idea
We(lazarus users) could make a Tool for the IDE that all windows users can integrate into Tools menu. The tool should automaticali create RES files with icons for the project together with the WinXP Style(Manifest files) option. If I have some free time I'll try to make such tool.

[lepidosteus]

Could someone give me a link to a correct .rc files wich will include the manifest, or any tutorial/detailled explaination on ressource files (th rc format, beofre compilation by windres) ?

I'm willing to make something for it but can't figure how to include the manifest in the exe and have it working from there.

[vins]

Here is what I made:
 (http://ecologybook.openfmi.net/tempfiles/demo.gif)

When added to the Tools Menu it works very good with every project. It automaticaly creates .RC files with icon information and version information. It automaticaly makes the manifest file and the generates a single .RES file that is produced in you project dir. The only thing you must do is to include the .RES file in you application( {$R WINRES.RES} ).
The tool also support adding custom Version Info items. You can chose not to include version info, icon or xp style.
I tried to make it as simple as posible.
The sourcecode of the tool is not perfect but the important thing is that it works.
The only problem I found is that the Debuger sometimes crash when the exe has XP style enabled. But you can always disable this option and enable it when you build the final release.

I have to got o sleep and then to school and then to private math lessons and then I'll have some time to pack the Tool, write a simple install instruction and upload it.

If someone knows where Lazarus stores Tools menu configuration I could try to make the instalation automatic.

Bye

[mikiwoz]

Great stuff, Vins! the only thing I would lack (got this in Delphi ) is "Auto-increment Build number with every build".

Cheers
Mike

[Marc]

AFAIR, we had recently a discussion about this on the ML

[tech-pro]

I already made a tool to do this, see here: http://www.lazarus-resource.com/resource-manager.shtml.

I'm sure I tried adding a link to it in this forum's Tools list as well, but it doesn't seem to be there.