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Simple class for easily minimizing to tray and adding context menu with ONE line of code

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1 Jul 20051 min read 89.1K   751   63   16
This class allows the user to implement minimizing to tray in one line of code.

Introduction

I usually like to implement the minimizing to the system tray feature in my applications... In addition, I also like to add a context menu to the icon which allows the user to restore the app from the tray or exit. After adding the same several lines of code to each application, I realized that it would be beneficial to streamline the process.

The Class

This class allows you to add this functionality in one line of code. The constructor takes the main form (Me) of your application, the text to add to the icon [optional], and the icon you want to display in the tray [optional - defaults to application icon].

Example:

VB
Dim minToTray As New ClsMinToTray(Me, "MyApp is running...", myIcon)

Options: You can also choose the window state on restore and add to the context menu (the default tray icon menu has two items - Restore and Close).

Example (choose window state):

VB
minToTray.restoreWindowState = FormWindowState.Maximized

Example (add to default context menu):

VB
Private Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As Object, _
             ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
  minToTray.trayMenu.MenuItems.Add("New Menu Item", _
                          AddressOf NewMenuItem_click)
End Sub

Public Sub NewMenuItem_click(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As EventArgs)
  'Code Here
End Sub

Notes

This class seems to work well for me. I have used it in both VS2003 and VS2005b applications. The only issue I have ran into is in VS2005b. The ShowInTaskbar property of the main form (on multi-container) application seems to cause some anchoring problems (forms layout is affected on restore). I'm assuming this is a VS2005b bug...or maybe I'm missing something.

License

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Written By
United States United States
29, but fairly new to development. Graduating from the University of South Florida this summer (2005). I have strong interest in VB.NET, ASP/ASP.NET programming. My experience is in database design; therefore I find it fun to put frontend interfaces in both client and client/server database applications.
**Will be looking for employment soon Smile | :)

Comments and Discussions

 
GeneralUrgent Help Needed :context menu does not appear Pin
Gul Hunerkar13-Jul-05 3:17
Gul Hunerkar13-Jul-05 3:17 
GeneralRe: Urgent Help Needed :context menu does not appear Pin
jchrisrenfrow13-Jul-05 7:22
jchrisrenfrow13-Jul-05 7:22 

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