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A real challenge . . . customizing programs without the source code

Started by chris1962 Nov 20, 2001 at 3:20 PM 5 replies 550+ views
Original Post
chris1962
chris1962
I''ve recently written a program that adds some new functionality to an existing off the shelf accounting program. I have no access to the source code of the accounting program. But, by using windows hooks within a DLL I was able to trigger the execution of my program when the user clicked on certain buttons within the accounting program. So, it appears to the user like I have actually modified the original program. I would like to take this to the next level, and add my own buttons/controls to the screen of the accounting program. I''ve used functions like SetWindowsText, to change the text of another windows title bar, and FlashWindowsEx to flash another window. But, is there any way to actually add buttons/controls/menu items to the accounting program screens? I know this sounds kind of crazy, but it never hurts to ask. The other approach I thought to take, would be to create my own window that anchors itself to the accounting program window, and place all the buttons/controls inside of it. Any suggestions, or even crazy far fetched ideas are greatly appreciated. Thanks, Chris In the mood for a little Fun & Games? Check out www.SunAndGames.com Home of Lost Enticer
Red Ant
Red Ant
Sounds interesting! Do you reckon there''s a way to get access to the variables of another application. I mean basically ''kidnap'' its memory?
ATronic
ATronic
If you can get a pointer to the memory, sure. But that could be a bit difficult. Not posative though, perhaps there is an easy way that I am not aware of.

Alex Broadwin
A-Tronic Software & Design
-----
"if you fail in life, you were destined to fail. If you suceed in life, call me."
"The answer is out there."
"Please help, I''m using Windows!"
Alex BroadwinA-Tronic Software & Design-----"if you fail in life, you were destined to fail. If you suceed in life, call me.""The answer is out there.""Please help, I'm using Windows!"
chris1962
chris1962
Actually got a suggestion from someone on wwwCodeProject.com forum. A product call Resource Hacker does exactly what I wanted. You can download it at:
http://www.rpi.net.au/~ajohnson/resourcehacker/

It''s cool. Worth checking out.

Chris

In the mood for a little Fun & Games?
Check out www.SunAndGames.com
Home of Lost Enticer
barazor
barazor
i was thinking, get the handle of the application and try using a CreateWindow() call on it for the buttons...
Beer Hunter
Beer Hunter
CreateProcess( ... DEBUG_PROCESS ... )

I would expect that you now have full control over it.

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