Getting the XP look

I'm using DevC++ as my IDE with GCC as compiler, but my question in general is: how do I give controls the XP look - if XP is the OS and XP look is on.
In DevCpp there's an option called "support windows XP themes" but that doesn't work for me - all my controls and messageboxes disappear when I switch this on.
The option works with some manifest file included as resource, but if I include it or have it in the same directory I see nothing at all.
Anyone know what's the right way to do this?

Can you give us an example? Perhaps a tiny program that compiles and runs?

are you talking about getting the actually IDE to look like XP or your program your developing?
the option you mentioned is referring to the actually IDE. the option works fine for me.
if your creating a program on windows they should automatically look like 'XP' (if of course, as you said the option is on)

can you clarify what it is your referring to?

I have never used DevC++ before, so I don't know how to add a manifest file into the resources of the application, but someone on these forums surely knows. All I know is that it should contain this to enable XP-styles:

Code:

---

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?>

<assembly xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:asm.v1" manifestVersion="1.0">
 <assemblyIdentity
  version="1.0.0.0"
  processorArchitecture="X86"
  name="Application"
  type="win32"
 />
 
 <description></description>
 <dependency>
  <dependentAssembly>
  <assemblyIdentity
    type="win32"
    name="Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls"
    version="6.0.0.0"
    processorArchitecture="X86"
    publicKeyToken="6595b64144ccf1df"
    language="*"
  />
  </dependentAssembly>
 </dependency>
</assembly>

---

Moved to windows.

***

Using Windows XP Visual Styles.

Search the windows board, too, as this has been discussed often in the past.

Enabling the Windows XP look in the project options should work without problems.

yeah but it doesn't work of course that's why i'm posting it here. I will try the assembly file you sent me.

You have to use the manifest (either as a file or as a resource) as well as InitCommonControls. Both are required for the XP look, you can't skip either step.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nodtveidt

You have to use the manifest (either as a file or as a resource) as well as InitCommonControls. Both are required for the XP look, you can't skip either step.

---

I'm not using any common controls. Is linking comctl32.lib really required to make normal buttons look XP-like??

I found out that my IDE is not the culprit. When using Dev-C++ to create a manifest file (whether I include it as a resource doesn't make a difference I think), it doesn't work. Instead, every messagebox and control is gone!
I decided to switch to Code::Blocks. Same problem. With a manifest (created by Code::Blocks
plugin this time), everything is gone. I think this is a problem with my computer. I'm desperate!
Can anyone advise?

Maybe this whole thread is just confirming my stupidity, but now my conclusion is:

To get the standard controls in your program to have the XP look, you need to link commctrl.lib, no matter that you do not use any common controls and you didn't need commctrl before.
Is that correct?

Edit: maybe it's pretty much what you said:D

You're absolutely right, calling InitCommonControls just works:)