Q156237: PRB: Report Designer/Preview Needs VFP Desktop to Display

Article: Q156237
Product(s): Microsoft FoxPro
Version(s): 5.00
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbvfp500 kbvfp600
Last Modified: 12-AUG-1999

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows, versions 5.0, 6.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

If REPORT FORM <formname> PREVIEW or MODIFY REPORT <formname> is
called from an SDI or top-level form (form with the ShowWindow property set to
2), the Report Preview or Report Designer does not appear if the Visual FoxPro
desktop is hidden.

WORKAROUND
==========

Make the Visual FoxPro desktop visible (_SCREEN.Visible = .T.) and display the
Report Designer or preview and hide the Visual FoxPro desktop (_SCREEN.Visible =
.F.) after the Report Designer or Preview has been closed.

STATUS
======

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION
================

The Page Preview and Report Designer windows are being created as a child window
of the Visual FoxPro desktop. Since the desktop is not visible, the Page Preview
and Report Designer windows cannot be visible. Each of these windows has
toolbars that require the Visual FoxPro desktop in order for them to be
displayed.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior
---------------------------

1. Run the following code from a program (.prg) file:

     * Start of code example
     *
     PUBLIC oform
     LOCAL lnI
     CLOSE ALL
     CREATE TABLE table_1 (field1 C(10))
     FOR lnI=1 TO 3
        INSERT INTO table_1 VALUES ('xx')
     ENDFOR

     CREATE REPORT report_1 FROM table_1

     oform=CREATEOBJECT("SDI_form")
     oform.SHOW()
     READ EVENTS
     CLOSE TABLES

     DEFINE CLASS sdi_form AS FORM

        SHOWWINDOW = 2
        AUTOCENTER = .T.
        lIsFormUp=.F.

        ADD OBJECT commandpreview AS COMMANDBUTTON WITH ;
           TOP = 180, ;
           LEFT = 80, ;
           HEIGHT = 27, ;
           WIDTH = 95, ;
           CAPTION = "Report Preview", ;
           NAME = "Commandpreview"

        ADD OBJECT commanddesign AS COMMANDBUTTON WITH ;
           TOP = 180, ;
           LEFT = 202, ;
           HEIGHT = 27, ;
           WIDTH = 95, ;
           CAPTION = "Modify Report", ;
           NAME = "Commanddesign"

        PROCEDURE DESTROY
           CLEAR EVENTS
           _SCREEN.VISIBLE=.T.
        ENDPROC

        PROCEDURE ACTIVATE
           IF !THIS.lisformup
              _SCREEN.VISIBLE = .F.   && We wait till now to hide desktop
                                      && to ensure SDI form is active window
              THIS.lIsFormUp = .T.
           ENDIF
        ENDPROC

        PROCEDURE commandpreview.CLICK
           REPORT FORM report_1 PREVIEW
        ENDPROC

        PROCEDURE commanddesign.CLICK
           MODIFY REPORT report_1
        ENDPROC

     ENDDEFINE
     *
     * End of code example

2. Click on either command button. The preview or Report Designer does not
  appear.

  NOTE: You may need to double-click the [-] or fox head in the upper left
  corner to close the form after doing this.

How to Get It Working
---------------------

1. Modify the Click procedure code for the two command buttons above to read as
  follows:

     * Start of code example
     *
     PROCEDURE commandpreview.CLICK
        _SCREEN.VISIBLE = .T.           && Show VFP desktop
        KEYBOARD '{ctrl+f10}' CLEAR     && Maximixe Preview window
        REPORT FORM report_1 PREVIEW
        _SCREEN.VISIBLE = .F.           && Hide VFP desktop
     ENDPROC

     PROCEDURE commanddesign.CLICK
        LOCAL lcOldShutDown
        lcOldShutDown = ON('shutdown')  && Saves existing ON SHUTDOWN
        ON SHUTDOWN _SCREEN.VISIBLE=.F. && Traps for closing desktop
        _SCREEN.VISIBLE = .T.           && Show VFP desktop
        KEYBOARD '{ctrl+f10}' CLEAR     && Maximixe Designer window
        MODIFY REPORT report_1
        _SCREEN.VISIBLE = .F.           && Hide VFP desktop
        ON SHUTDOWN &lcOldShutDown      && Restores existing ON SHUTDOWN
     ENDPROC
     *
     * End of code example

2. Click on either command button. The preview or Report Designer appears. When
  the preview or Report Designer is closed, the desktop is again hidden and the
  SDI form regains the focus.

Additional query words: kbdse VfoxWin print preview

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbvfp500 kbvfp600 
Technology        : kbVFPsearch kbAudDeveloper kbVFP500 kbVFP600
Version           : 5.00

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