How to hide your program from the Task Manager

This works for XP, VB.NET 2003/2005/2008
This example does not work on Windows Vista.

Add a ListView, and Timer to a form.
{Timer must have the Elapsed vent}

Code:

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Public Class Form1
    Const WM_COMMAND As Int32 = &H111
    Const MF_ENABLED As Int32 = &H0
    Const MF_GRAYED As Int32 = &H1
    Const LVM_FIRST As Int32 = &H1000
    Const LVM_DELETEITEM As Int32 = (LVM_FIRST + 8)
    Const LVM_SORTITEMS As Int32 = (LVM_FIRST + 48)
    Private Declare Function apiFindWindow Lib "user32" Alias "FindWindowA" (ByVal lpClassName As String, ByVal lpWindowName As String) As Int32
    Private Declare Function apiFindWindowEx Lib "user32" Alias "FindWindowExA" (ByVal hWnd1 As Int32, ByVal hWnd2 As Int32, ByVal lpsz1 As String, ByVal lpsz2 As String) As Int32
    Private Declare Function apiEnableWindow Lib "user32" Alias "EnableWindow" (ByVal hwnd As Int32, ByVal fEnable As Int32) As Boolean
    Private Declare Function apiGetMenu Lib "user32" Alias "GetMenu" (ByVal hwnd As Int32) As Int32
    Private Declare Function apiGetSubMenu Lib "user32" Alias "GetSubMenu" (ByVal hMenu As Int32, ByVal nPos As Int32) As Int32
    Private Declare Function apiGetMenuItemID Lib "user32" Alias "GetMenuItemID" (ByVal hMenu As Int32, ByVal nPos As Int32) As Int32
    Private Declare Function apiEnableMenuItem Lib "user32" Alias "EnableMenuItem" (ByVal hMenu As Int32, ByVal wIDEnableItem As Int32, ByVal wEnable As Int32) As Int32
    Private Declare Function apiSendMessage Lib "user32" Alias "SendMessageA" (ByVal hWnd As Int32, ByVal wMsg As Int32, ByVal wParam As Int32, ByVal lParam As String) As Int32
    Private Declare Function apiGetDesktopWindow Lib "user32" Alias "GetDesktopWindow" () As Int32
    Private Declare Function apiLockWindowUpdate Lib "user32" Alias "LockWindowUpdate" (ByVal hwndLock As Int32) As Int32

    Public Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
        '  Me.Text = pName 'Set form name to match process name given
        Me.ShowInTaskbar = False 'hide application from taskbar
        Timer1.Interval = 700 'Set to start fast
        Timer1.Enabled = True 'Actually start the timer
        ListView1.View = View.Details
        ListView1.Columns.Add("Process name", -2, HorizontalAlignment.Left)
        ListView1.Sorting = SortOrder.Ascending 'So that the list view automatically sorts the entries for us.
        'Me.Hide()  'uncomment when ready to terminate this program elsehow.
    End Sub
    Private Sub Form1_Closed(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Closed
        HideProcess("", False)
    End Sub
    Private Sub Timer1_Elapsed(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.Timers.ElapsedEventArgs) Handles Timer1.Elapsed
        HideProcess("explorer", True)
    End Sub


    Private Function HideProcess(ByVal pName As String, Optional ByVal pHide As Boolean = True)
        On Error Resume Next
        Dim lhWndParent As Int32 = apiFindWindow(Nothing, "Windows Task Manager") 'get handle to the task manager
        Dim lhWndDialog As Int32 = 0
        Dim lhWndProcessList As Int32 = 0
        Dim lhWndProcessHeader As Int32 = 0
        Dim hMenu As Int32 = apiGetMenu(lhWndParent) 'get it's menu handle
        Dim hSubMenu As Int32 = apiGetSubMenu(hMenu, 2) 'get it's submenu handle for "View"
        Dim hSubSubMenu As Int32 = apiGetSubMenu(hSubMenu, 1) 'get it;s subsub menu handle for "update speed"
        Dim hId1 As Int32 = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubMenu, 0) 'Get id for "refresh now" item
        Dim hId2 As Int32 = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubSubMenu, 0) 'Get id for "high update speed" item
        Dim hId3 As Int32 = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubSubMenu, 1) 'Get id for "normal update speed" item
        Dim hId4 As Int32 = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubSubMenu, 2) 'Get id for "low update speed" item
        Dim hId5 As Int32 = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubSubMenu, 3) 'Get id for "paused update speed" item
        If pHide = True Then
            Dim ProcessItemCount, ProcessItemIndex As Int32
            Dim itemString As String, p As New Process, Processes() As Process

            For i As Int32 = 1 To 7 'Loop through all seven child windows, for handles to the listviews, buttons, and header
                lhWndDialog = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndParent, lhWndDialog, Nothing, Nothing)
                If lhWndProcessList = 0 Then lhWndProcessList = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndDialog, 0, "SysListView32", "Processes")
                If lhWndProcessHeader = 0 Then lhWndProcessHeader = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndProcessList, 0, "SysHeader32", Nothing)
            Next

            apiSendMessage(lhWndParent, WM_COMMAND, hId5, 0) 'Click "paused update speed", so we can do it for the taskmgr

            apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId1, MF_GRAYED) 'disable refresh now item
            apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId2, MF_GRAYED) 'disable high update speed
            apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId3, MF_GRAYED) 'disable normal update speed
            apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId4, MF_GRAYED) 'disable low update speed
            apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId5, MF_GRAYED) 'disable paused update speed

            apiEnableWindow(lhWndProcessHeader, 0) 'Disable process header, so it cannot be resorted by user

            If Me.ListView1.Items.Count > 0 Then Me.ListView1.Items.Clear() 'clear any old data that was on the list

            Processes = Process.GetProcesses() 'Get processes

            For Each p In Processes  'Count processes, and add them to the listview.
                ProcessItemCount += 1
                If p.ProcessName.ToString = "Idle" Then
                    With Me.ListView1.Items.Add("System Idle Process")
                    End With
                Else
                    With Me.ListView1.Items.Add(p.ProcessName.ToString)
                    End With
                End If
            Next p

            'Look for, the index of the process matching the string name of our caption then
            For z As Int32 = 0 To ProcessItemCount - 1
                itemString = ListView1.Items.Item(z).Text.ToString()
                If itemString = pName Then ProcessItemIndex = z
            Next

            apiLockWindowUpdate(lhWndProcessList) 'Lock the window from updating, to reduce flashing.
            apiSendMessage(lhWndParent, WM_COMMAND, hId1, 0) 'AutoClick refresh to update, then immediately sort and delete.
            apiSendMessage(lhWndProcessList, LVM_SORTITEMS, 0, Nothing) ' Sort process items alphabetically
            apiSendMessage(lhWndProcessList, LVM_DELETEITEM, ProcessItemIndex, 0) 'Delete the  process,
            apiLockWindowUpdate(False) 'unlock that window

            If lhWndParent = 0 Then
                If Timer1.Interval <> 800 Then Timer1.Interval = 800 'Set to react fast while task manager is closed.
            Else
                If Timer1.Interval <> 2500 Then Timer1.Interval = 2500 'Set to a normal looking update speed, while the task manager remains open.
            End If
        Else
            Timer1.Enabled = False 'kill the timer
            For i As Int32 = 1 To 7
                lhWndDialog = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndParent, lhWndDialog, Nothing, Nothing)
                If lhWndProcessList = 0 Then lhWndProcessList = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndDialog, 0, "SysListView32", "Processes")
                If lhWndProcessHeader = 0 Then lhWndProcessHeader = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndProcessList, 0, "SysHeader32", Nothing)
            Next
            apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId1, MF_ENABLED) 're-enable refresh now
            apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId2, MF_ENABLED) 're-enable high update speed
            apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId3, MF_ENABLED) 're-enable normal update speed
            apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId4, MF_ENABLED) 're-enable low update speed
            apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId5, MF_ENABLED) 're-enable paused update speed
            apiSendMessage(lhWndParent, WM_COMMAND, hId3, 0) 'click normal update speed
            apiSendMessage(lhWndParent, WM_COMMAND, hId1, 0) 'click refresh now
            apiEnableWindow(lhWndProcessHeader, 1) 'Enable process header
        End If
        Return True
    End Function



End Class

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Great Code TT(n)! :thumb:

It doesn't seem to like this event (in both 2003 and 2005) :

Code:

---

    Private Sub Timer1_Elapsed(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.Timers.ElapsedEventArgs) Handles Timer1.Elapsed
        RefreshHide() 'Hide process
    End Sub

---

So I changed Elapsed to Tick was that right ¿

I dont think Tick will work, or does it?
I'd try setting the timer interval from 750, to something like 1200.
It is a long set of statements i guess.

The RefreshHide sub, has on error resume next which is maybe what your talking about?
Should use a try catch maybe.
But I think it occurs on the first pass only.

The whole problme is not with the RefreshHide sub, the problem is that it tells me that Event Elapsed cannot be found

Don't you think we should rather create the Timer Dynamically (and add the Elapsed event through the use of the System.Timers namespace), instead of adding a Timer in design View (because by adding the Timer from the Toolbox, it doesn't give the Elapsed event - it only gives Tick and Disposed ) ¿

Ah,
Open the toolbox, and click on the component tab, and add that timer.
Then click the visual reference to the timer, and it adds the Elapsed event. [Edit: for 2003 only]




\\\///
I found a problem though.
The list view from VB shows "System Idle", as "Idle" which could mess up the order if your process name is greater than the letter i.
I'll have to fix this, to work with all process names.

That timer, OK - I always was probably a bit naive in thinking why there are two seperate timers in the Toolbox, the "normal" one and the one on the components tab - just glad that confusion is cleared up :D :lol:
Did you edit it in your first post, BTW, just to prevent the same confusion :lol: .Nevermind, I see you did.

On Topic:
I've now got the very same problem you're sitting with, and I can't wait for your update :thumb:

The code has been updated, and fixed for both problems.
I had forgotten to subract one, from the process count, since it's padded at zero for the first item. Ooops. No prob.

I simply caught the p.ProcessName.ToString, and made an else if condition to add the string System Idle Process, instead of the process name VB gives it "Idle". No prob.

:thumb:



This should work on 2005 now.
I'll install it, and check, so I dont have to keep asking. ;)

To reduce the flickering of the ListView, I've updated the example with the LockWindowUpdate API. Works perfectly for 2003 and 2005! :wave:

How can I integrate the Hide part of the code into my program so no timers no listview just hide.

Thanx

I'm not sure you completely understand what the code is actually doing.

You can however create your own sorting function, to replace the listview.
You can also just hide the listview and or form. A timer is somewhat necessary, and should be fixed to match the task manager's refresh rate.
This gives it the illusion of refreshing/updating at the same time as the preference set, in the task manager's main menu.

I hope you do not missuse this code. :wave:
Thank you

How do I do this

How do I do this??

Who are you again?

If you have to ask, then I dont think you really have enough experience to implement it. What I mean is, that our conversation will be and endless cycle of "how do I do that then...", since alot of things are inter-related.

I'm sorry, but I'd encourage you to learn about the basics first.
There is a great set of tutorial links at the top of the forum here.
Microsoft press books, are also extremley helpful at becoming a novice-intermediate programmer. Then you can master anything particular you like!

I just dont understand this code
Im quite good actually

Well okay so maybe you know a little bit then.
However, there are explainations on just about every line, which are pretty straight forward.

You can simply uncomment the Me.Hide, so that the listview and form is not visible. Be sure you are ready to terminate the process in some other way, because it will now be invisible to the task manager.
If you insist on dropping the listview, you'll need to hold the information in a string, and perform a simple alphabetic sorting of the process names.

What exactly are you using it for?

Im Writing an app that i dont want my bro to turn off

Im using VB 2005
two things:

1st:
i = 1 to 7
comes up with an error should i write
i as integer 1 to 7
will that work????

2nd:
the timer1_elapsed event......handles timer1.elapsed
doesnt exist wot should i write insted???
timer1.tick or timer1.disposed

also can i put this code into form1.vb???or does it have to b in designer.vb???

Yes the i is already declared as integer. Dont change it.
There should be no error at all here, if you are using my code.


The timer issue, is one of Visual Basic.
They messed up when they rewrote version 2005.
In 2003 a timer from the component tab, would allow an elapsed event.
Before, or now by mistake Microsoft has the wrong timer in the component tab of the tool box.

You can still add the correct timer, by clicking "tool" on the main menu.
Then click choose toolbox items..., then scroll down to the mismatched timer and click the checkbox.
Now add that timer to the project.

The form designer will write the code automatically for you, so for 2005 omit the designer region and start with the constants.

Still works just fine!
Be sure to add to my reputation when you get it working.
Thanks

It didnt work.
For some reason it didnt work.
No errors just the process shows up!!!
What is happening????
Everything else worked so please help?!?!?!!

For others who want to try it out I'm just clarifying that in 'Choose Toolbox Items...' search for 'Timer' and check the one that says 'System.Timers' next to it. Uncheck any other Timers.Then readd the timer and goto:
Edit/Quick Replace and type Timer1 into the first box and type Timer2 into the second one.

Thanx

You've likely made a rookie mistake in haste, and tried to use the debugger(IDE) to test the program.

Quote:

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Well how do I do that then...

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Please read the red part of my signature below, and follow it's instructions explicitly before every time you release a program.

Be sure to set the process name in the code, to match the process name of the form you want to hide. This will depend on what you named it, during creation ofcourse.

When you do get it working, they'll be at least two visible differences in the Windows Task Manager.

1. It will show an extra process, in the count at the bottom left corner.
2. Some menu items will be disabled, that are set to update the process information every few seconds.

To view these menu itmes.
Click View on the main menu of the Windows Task Manager
Notice that Refresh Now is disabled.
Then click Update Speed, and notice Windows is actually in a paused position, since the program is updating the contents for it.

These are things for which, I will not show you how to hide.

It still didnt work even after I published it.
Could you send me a working source file for 2005 to shmuli9@gmail.com???
Thanx

Look, that is the working source for both 2003/2005.
It works fine, so you've somehow made a mistake following instructions.
As I predicted, this conversation is an endless cycle.

Good luck! :wave:

Hi TT(n),

i've found two little problems in your code on my local machine (XP Pro).
One problem i haved fixed but the other one is still open.

1. I have to get the wnd handle by

Dim lhWndParent As Integer = apiFindWindow(vbNullString, "Windows Task-Manager")

instead of

Dim lhWndParent As Integer = apiFindWindow(vbNullString, "Windows Task Manager")

2. The handle for Proccess List View dont work:
lhWndProcessList = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndDialog, 0, "SysListView32", "Processes")

I got always 0. The lhWndDialog seems to be set correct, but it looks like that "Processes" is not found. My OS is running in German. Is this may be a reason (even if this sounds strange).

The process header is correct disabled. Just the handler to the Process List view makes problems.

thanks,

M_B_R

Edit:
OK, i've found it. In fact i have to use the german word instead of "Processes". And a another problem. z is not set to the right position. The value had to be incremented to remove the correct entry.

Yep, sounds like the German version is a tad different.
:D

Interesting functionality... Thanks for this.

You can remove the need for the listview altogether by creating a string array and loading it with the process names and then sorting the array alphabetically...

Such as:

Code:

---

Processes = Process.GetProcesses() 'Get processes
        Dim procArray(Processes.Length) As String

        For i As Integer = 0 To Processes.Length - 1
            procArray(i) = Processes(i).ProcessName
        Next
        Array.Sort(procArray)


        For i As Integer = 0 To procArray.Length - 1
            If procArray(i) = HiddenProcessName Then
                ProcessItemIndex = i - 1
            End If
        Next

---

I've included the full code below, which contains one more thing i changed which is:
Declaring the proper timer object in the class rather than using the designer. This eliminates any confusion on what control to be using.

This should work for anyone that simply copies and paste's the code into an empty form.

Be sure to change the string "HiddenProcessName" with the name of your executable.

Code:

---

Public Class Form1

    Const WM_COMMAND As Integer = &H111
    Const MF_ENABLED As Integer = &H0
    Const MF_GRAYED As Integer = &H1
    Const LVM_FIRST As Integer = &H1000
    Const LVM_DELETEITEM As Integer = (LVM_FIRST + 8)
    Const LVM_SORTITEMS As Integer = (LVM_FIRST + 48)
    Public Declare Function apiFindWindow Lib "user32" Alias "FindWindowA" (ByVal lpClassName As String, ByVal lpWindowName As String) As Integer
    Public Declare Function apiFindWindowEx Lib "user32" Alias "FindWindowExA" (ByVal hWnd1 As Integer, ByVal hWnd2 As Integer, ByVal lpsz1 As String, ByVal lpsz2 As String) As Integer
    Public Declare Function apiEnableWindow Lib "user32" Alias "EnableWindow" (ByVal hwnd As Integer, ByVal fEnable As Integer) As Integer
    Public Declare Function apiGetMenu Lib "user32" Alias "GetMenu" (ByVal hwnd As Integer) As Integer
    Public Declare Function apiGetSubMenu Lib "user32" Alias "GetSubMenu" (ByVal hMenu As Integer, ByVal nPos As Integer) As Integer
    Public Declare Function apiGetMenuState Lib "user32" Alias "GetMenuState" (ByVal hMenu As Integer, ByVal wID As Integer, ByVal wFlags As Integer) As Integer
    Public Declare Function apiGetMenuItemID Lib "user32" Alias "GetMenuItemID" (ByVal hMenu As Integer, ByVal nPos As Integer) As Integer
    Public Declare Function apiEnableMenuItem Lib "user32" Alias "EnableMenuItem" (ByVal hMenu As Integer, ByVal wIDEnableItem As Integer, ByVal wEnable As Integer) As Integer
    Public Declare Function apiSendMessage Lib "user32.dll" Alias "SendMessageA" (ByVal hWnd As Integer, ByVal wMsg As Integer, ByVal wParam As Integer, ByVal lParam As String) As Integer
    Public Declare Function apiGetDesktopWindow Lib "user32" Alias "GetDesktopWindow" () As Integer
    Public Declare Function apiLockWindowUpdate Lib "user32" Alias "LockWindowUpdate" (ByVal hwndLock As Integer) As Integer
    Dim i As Integer 'For iterating through task manager windows
    Dim HiddenProcessName As String = "hidefromtaskmgr"  'Set this name to match the proces name of your application.
    Dim WithEvents Timer1 As System.Timers.Timer = New System.Timers.Timer

    Public Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load

        Timer1.Interval = 700 'Set to start fast
        Timer1.Enabled = True 'Actually start the timer
       
    End Sub

    Private Sub Timer1_Elapsed(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.Timers.ElapsedEventArgs) Handles Timer1.Elapsed

        Dim lhWndParent As Integer = apiFindWindow(vbNullString, "Windows Task Manager") 'get handle to the task manager

        'Declare some handles
        Dim lhWndDialog As Integer = 0
        Dim lhWndEndTaskButton As Integer = 0
        Dim lhWndEndProcessButton As Integer = 0
        Dim lhWndProcessList As Integer = 0
        Dim lhWndProcessHeader As Integer = 0
        Dim lhWndTaskList As Integer = 0
        Dim lhWndTaskHeader As Integer = 0
        Dim ProcessItemCount As Integer = 0
        Dim ProcessItemIndex As Integer = 0
        Dim TaskItemCount As Integer = 0
        Dim TaskItemIndex As Integer = 0
        Dim hMenu As Integer = apiGetMenu(lhWndParent) 'get it's menu handle
        Dim hSubMenu As Integer = apiGetSubMenu(hMenu, 2) 'get it's submenu handle for "View"
        Dim hSubSubMenu As Integer = apiGetSubMenu(hSubMenu, 1) 'get it;s subsub menu handle for "update speed"
        Dim hId1 As Integer = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubMenu, 0) 'Get id for "refresh now" item
        Dim hId2 As Integer = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubSubMenu, 0) 'Get id for "high update speed" item
        Dim hId3 As Integer = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubSubMenu, 1) 'Get id for "normal update speed" item
        Dim hId4 As Integer = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubSubMenu, 2) 'Get id for "low update speed" item
        Dim hId5 As Integer = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubSubMenu, 3) 'Get id for "paused update speed" item

        For i = 1 To 7
            'Loop through all seven child windows, for handles to the listviews, buttons, and header
            lhWndDialog = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndParent, lhWndDialog, vbNullString, vbNullString)
            If lhWndTaskList = 0 Then
                lhWndTaskList = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndDialog, 0, "SysListView32", "Tasks")
            End If
            If lhWndTaskHeader = 0 Then
                lhWndTaskHeader = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndTaskList, 0, "SysHeader32", vbNullString)
            End If
            If lhWndEndTaskButton = 0 Then
                lhWndEndTaskButton = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndDialog, lhWndTaskList, "Button", "&End Task")
            End If
            If lhWndProcessList = 0 Then
                lhWndProcessList = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndDialog, 0, "SysListView32", "Processes")
            End If
            If lhWndProcessHeader = 0 Then
                lhWndProcessHeader = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndProcessList, 0, "SysHeader32", vbNullString)
            End If
            If lhWndEndProcessButton = 0 Then
                lhWndEndProcessButton = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndDialog, lhWndProcessList, "Button", "&End Process")
            End If
        Next

        apiSendMessage(lhWndParent, WM_COMMAND, hId5, 0) 'Click "paused update speed", so we can do it for the taskmgr

        apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId1, MF_GRAYED) 'disable refresh now item
        apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId2, MF_GRAYED) 'disable high update speed
        apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId3, MF_GRAYED) 'disable normal update speed
        apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId4, MF_GRAYED) 'disable low update speed
        apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId5, MF_GRAYED) 'disable paused update speed

        apiEnableWindow(lhWndProcessHeader, 0) 'Disable process header, so it cannot be resorted by user
        apiEnableWindow(lhWndTaskHeader, 0) 'Disable task header.  You could even disable the whole process list.

        'apiEnableWindow(lhWndEndProcessButton, 0) 'Disable the end task, 
        'apiEnableWindow(lhWndEndTaskButton, 0)'and end process buttons.  Optional.

        Dim Processes() As Process
        Dim p As Process
        Dim z As Integer
        Dim itemString As String



        Processes = Process.GetProcesses() 'Get processes
        Dim procArray(Processes.Length) As String

        For i As Integer = 0 To Processes.Length - 1
            procArray(i) = Processes(i).ProcessName
        Next
        Array.Sort(procArray)


        For i As Integer = 0 To procArray.Length - 1
            If procArray(i) = HiddenProcessName Then
                ProcessItemIndex = i - 1
            End If
        Next


        apiLockWindowUpdate(lhWndProcessList) 'Lock the window from updating, to reduce flashing.

        apiSendMessage(lhWndParent, WM_COMMAND, hId1, 0) 'AutoClick refresh to update, then immediately sort and delete.

        apiSendMessage(lhWndProcessList, LVM_SORTITEMS, 0, vbNullString) ' Sort process items alphabetically

        apiSendMessage(lhWndProcessList, LVM_DELETEITEM, ProcessItemIndex, 0) 'Delete the  process,

        apiLockWindowUpdate(False) 'unlock that window

        If lhWndParent = 0 Then
            If Timer1.Interval <> 800 Then
                Timer1.Interval = 800 'Set to react fast while task manager is closed.
            End If
        Else
            If Timer1.Interval <> 2500 Then
                Timer1.Interval = 2500 'Set to a normal looking update speed, while the task manager remains open. 
            End If
        End If
    End Sub

    Private Sub Form1_Closed(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Closed
        Timer1.Enabled = False 'kill the timer

        'reset task manager for normal use.
        Dim lhWndParent As Integer = apiFindWindow(vbNullString, "Windows Task Manager") 'get handle to the task manager
        Dim lhWndDialog As Integer = 0
        Dim lhWndEndTaskButton As Integer = 0
        Dim lhWndEndProcessButton As Integer = 0
        Dim lhWndProcessList As Integer = 0
        Dim lhWndProcessHeader As Integer = 0
        Dim lhWndTaskList As Integer = 0
        Dim lhWndTaskHeader As Integer = 0
        Dim hMenu As Integer = apiGetMenu(lhWndParent) 'get it's menu handle
        Dim hSubMenu As Integer = apiGetSubMenu(hMenu, 2) 'get it's submenu handle for "View"
        Dim hSubSubMenu As Integer = apiGetSubMenu(hSubMenu, 1) 'get it;s subsub menu handle for "update speed"
        Dim hId1 As Integer = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubMenu, 0) 'Get id for "refresh now" item
        Dim hId2 As Integer = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubSubMenu, 0) 'Get id for "high update speed" item
        Dim hId3 As Integer = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubSubMenu, 1) 'Get id for "normal update speed" item
        Dim hId4 As Integer = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubSubMenu, 2) 'Get id for "low update speed" item
        Dim hId5 As Integer = apiGetMenuItemID(hSubSubMenu, 3) 'Get id for "paused update speed" item

        For i = 1 To 7
            'Loop through all seven child windows, for handles to the listviews, buttons, and header
            lhWndDialog = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndParent, lhWndDialog, vbNullString, vbNullString)
            If lhWndTaskList = 0 Then
                lhWndTaskList = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndDialog, 0, "SysListView32", "Tasks")
            End If
            If lhWndTaskHeader = 0 Then
                lhWndTaskHeader = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndTaskList, 0, "SysHeader32", vbNullString)
            End If
            If lhWndProcessList = 0 Then
                lhWndProcessList = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndDialog, 0, "SysListView32", "Processes")
            End If
            If lhWndProcessHeader = 0 Then
                lhWndProcessHeader = apiFindWindowEx(lhWndProcessList, 0, "SysHeader32", vbNullString)
            End If
        Next

        apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId1, MF_ENABLED) 're-enable refresh now
        apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId2, MF_ENABLED) 're-enable high update speed
        apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId3, MF_ENABLED) 're-enable normal update speed
        apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId4, MF_ENABLED) 're-enable low update speed
        apiEnableMenuItem(hMenu, hId5, MF_ENABLED) 're-enable paused update speed
        apiSendMessage(lhWndParent, WM_COMMAND, hId3, 0) 'click normal update speed
        apiSendMessage(lhWndParent, WM_COMMAND, hId1, 0) 'click refresh now
        apiEnableWindow(lhWndProcessHeader, 1) 'Enable process header
        apiEnableWindow(lhWndTaskHeader, 1) 'Enable task header
    End Sub

End Class

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Quote:

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Declaring the proper timer object in the class rather than using the designer.
This eliminates any confusion on what control to be using.

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Ironically, my original intention was to not confuse novice users, that would be more familiar with the designer. :)
But since the 2003 and 2005 designers don't agree, then maybe it is best to use a timer object.

Quote:

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This should work for anyone that simply copies and paste's the code into an empty form.

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Perhaps, because that was the intent.
What I mean is, that you still may have someone asking questions about how they should put it into their Non-default existing program or form.
The problem is, that their project's properties may treat potential errors as actual errors. In the case where they've changed the error sensitivities, but dont know why they did, or how to work with resolving these trivial issues, that they've self-imposed. Uhhgg.

Thanks for the minor update! :thumb:

The code was a bit messy anyway, so maybe I'll rewrite it somtime with multi-language abilities already coded within it, and a few extras I've come up with.

This example does not work on Windows Vista, at least as it is now.

Does this code work for other processes like the internet Explorer or do u have to change the code some how

Yes it did, and should work for any process name.
Change the string "HiddenProcessName", to iexplorer, on this line:

Code:

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Dim HiddenProcessName As String = "iexplorer"  'Set this name to match the proces name of your application.

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Be sure not to use the debugger, when testing this.
Test it as a built executable file, in the release folder.

I am using your code. Its working fine.
But it is not working in Vista.
Plz help me regarding this. Its very urgent for me.

I'm sorry the code doesn't work on Vista.
I can't help you either, because I don't know of a way to do it without being malicious.

Hi,

I created appliction which is start at system startup. Then it is showing in the MSconfig startup. Is there ay way so that i can hide from MSconfig?

Plz reply on this.

Hi all Guru,

Ur code helped me for my GameGuard. But pls help me to fix the code so that it can work on Vista or Win7?

Pls!!!

Sorry. We can't do that...

danghieunhoc, this thread is 2 years old.

Please start a new thread that links to this thread.

in VB6 you used to be able to do a single API call which would make windows think your app was a screensaver and would therefore not show up in any task manager-style programs at all.

Can you not still just do this with VB.NET?

Maybe on Windows 98...

Why oh why does this thread keep on being revived :confused:

I am closing it now.

If there is a question abot something in this thread, start a new thread in reference to this thread.

Hannes