GetWindowDC

This function retrieves the device context (DC) for the entire window, including title bar, menus, and scroll bars.

HDC GetWindowDC( 
HWND hWnd
); 

Parameters

• hWnd
  Handle to the window with a device context that is to be retrieved. If this value is NULL, GetWindowDC retrieves the device context for the entire screen.

Return Values

The handle of a device context for the specified window indicates success. NULL indicates an error or an invalid hWnd parameter.

To get extended error information, call GetLastError.

Remarks

GetWindowDC is intended for special painting effects within a windows nonclient area. Painting in nonclient areas of any window is not recommended.

The GetSystemMetrics function can be used to retrieve the dimensions of various parts of the nonclient area, such as the title bar, menu, and scroll bars.

The GetDC function can be used to retrieve a device context for the entire screen.

After painting is complete, the ReleaseDC function must be called to release the device context. Not releasing the window device context has serious effects on painting requested by applications.

Requirements

Note   This API is part of the complete Windows CE OS package as provided by Microsoft. The functionality of a particular platform is determined by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and some devices may not support this API.

See Also

BeginPaint, GetDC, GetLastError, GetSystemMetrics, ReleaseDC

 Last updated on Tuesday, July 13, 2004

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