Hook Windows Status Bar Text

[triptiarora]

How can I copy (get) text from a Windows Status Bar?

I want to make a DLL (program), which will Hook a 3rd Party Window and then get the text that is written in that windows Status Bar.
But I don't know how my program can hook 3rd Party Window and get the control of the Status Bar.
If I use SetWindowsHookEx hook function in the DLL then what would be the idHook for the Status Bar control.

Please help.

[Krishnaa]

You will need to hook SetWindowText API.

[triptiarora]

Hi Krishna,

You have asked me to hook SetWindowText API.

But SetWindowText is used to change the text of a window or control. Please correct me if I am wrong.

But my intention is to first hook a 3rd Party Window and then READ the text present in its Status Bar.

I need the text of the Status Bar to use it for some other process. My intention is not to change the text.

Another concern: Can SetWindowText or GetWindowText APIs be used as a Hook Id to be installed.

Thanks in advance

Rgds
Tripti

[astanley]

Pardon me for butting in, but I think what Krishnaa means is that if you hook WH_GETMESSAGE, and the WM_SETTEXT message, then you will be able to detect when the application sets the text of the status bar, and therefore read what the text is in the WM_SETTEXT message.

[Krishnaa]

astanley is right.
You have many options like hook the API or hook Window Proc using SetWindowsHookEx.
To identify perticular window you can use FindWindow function.
Spy++ will help you finding the class and name of that window.