Using VB apps with DOS

[Catrina]

I am converting a DOS payroll program to windows. Currently I am working on the sections of the DOS program that will not work with certain windows machines (printing and communications). As I get them done, I am calling them from the DOS program (using Shell). This works fine as long as I do not show any VB forms. These knock the DOS program down to the taskbar.

My question is: Does anyone know a way keep the DOS app active on the screen and run my vb forms on top of the DOS screen. The printing app works fine without any VB forms, but I'd like to use a file status form when transmitting files over the modem. It is not that big of a problem, the user just has to click on the DOS app in the taskbar after my app has run, but it is not very convenient or pretty.

Thanks for any suggestions or help.

Catrina

 

[Karl Blessing]

why are you not able to convert the whole thing to VB? sorry, you might have said it, but I dont seem to see it, if it's due to printing, thats alot easier from VB , you just use the Printer Object. far as communications, that depends on what kind of communications.

 

[Catrina]

I am converting the whole program eventually.

We are needing the printing and communication parts updated quickly because clients are updating their systems, and those parts will no longer work with certain windows machines.

I have both VB apps working fine, my question was pertaining to running the finished VB apps with the DOS program until I have the entire conversion finished (This is a large complex program and I am just learning VB, so it will be a lengthy process).

I was wondering if there was a way to stop the VB forms from knocking the DOS program down to the taskbar. The DOS program calls my app, once my app finishes, the user must click on the DOS icon in the taskbar to go back to the original program. This doesn't happen when I use my app without any forms, but I'd like to use a file status form on the communications app.

Catrina