Thread: restoring desktop after full screen use

I am using win32 applications for some full screen graphics. How do I restore
the desktop, windows, taskbar, etc when exiting the app?

Do I need to create a bitbap and bitblt the desktop screen into it, and then
bitblt it back afterward? Or is there a way to instruct the system to just
redraw everything?

I am retrieving a device context for my screen with GetDC(NULL).

*** edited ***

I just realized I could open a full screen window, then draw over it with using
a full screen context. Closing the full screen window should then invoke a desktop
redraw. But the window would not cover the taskbar. So that's still a problem.
(haven't tried this last thing yet)

Originally Posted by megafiddle

I am using win32 applications for some full screen graphics. How do I restore
the desktop, windows, taskbar, etc when exiting the app?

Do I need to create a bitbap and bitblt the desktop screen into it, and then
bitblt it back afterward? Or is there a way to instruct the system to just
redraw everything?

I am retrieving a device context for my screen with GetDC(NULL).

*** edited ***

I just realized I could open a full screen window, then draw over it with using
a full screen context. Closing the full screen window should then invoke a desktop
redraw. But the window would not cover the taskbar. So that's still a problem.
(haven't tried this last thing yet)

Do your full screen app in a window... closing the window restores the desktop.

NEVER draw directly on the desktop itself.

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/oldnewthing/...2/9994016.aspx

Thanks

Originally Posted by VirtualAce

You should be able to call Invalidate() and pass in the handle to the desktop window.

Is that InvalidateRect()? It is not recommended for redrawing all windows ( InvalidateRect(NULL, ....) )
Do you know what the problems might be with that?

Also, still problem with task bar. I can't draw a full screen window over it.

Originally Posted by CommonTater

Do your full screen app in a window... closing the window restores the desktop.

NEVER draw directly on the desktop itself.

How do I switch a window between normal and fullscreen? - The Old New Thing - Site Home - MSDN Blogs

I was initially trying to use a simple thin border frame with no title bar. WS_DLGFRAME as a
style is supposed to do this but doesn't work. Apparently a known bug or documentation
error.

I don't completely understand the code in the link. Does it change the style so that it has
no title bar? Wouldn't that not work either if the window can't be created without a title bar
to begin with?

Or does it just reposition the window so the title bar is off screen?

Also what is a full screen DC used for typically? What kinds of problems will it cause?

Try just using WS_POPUP (and WS_VISIBLE).

Originally Posted by VirtualAce

Much of this behavior depends on whether or not the user has set the taskbar or toolbars to always be on top. That being said WS_POPUP windows should be able to cover the entire screen (at least they could in XP).

I just tested WS_POPUP and WS_OVERLAPPEDWINDOW with a hidden task bar (XP, 1680 x 1050 display).
Both behave just as you might expect, and can cover the entire screen.

But only WS_POPUP will cover an exposed task bar, and only if set equal to or greater than the full screen width. I'll check it on 2000 Pro.

Anyway it apperantly works, but would be nice to know if it's a defined behavier.