Welcome to CodeGuru!

I think the stuff you want to do is best done via win32 API. I'd first recommend looking at AllApi.net, and get the free Guide and the Viewer. It can take awhile to become comfortable with the API and how to use them, but once you get going, it quickly gets easier.

Also, check out PlanetSourceCode.com for example projects. I'm sure there's plenty you will find useful there as well.

Take your time with this one. It's not a simple one-week application. You may also find a project in progress by Rich2189 to be very helpful. Many of the basic concepts you'll be using are discussed in those threads at length.