C++ Program to do Hotkey during a game, not working

[doug]

I wrote a little application that uses hotkeys, I was hoping to be able to do some functions while playing half-life.

So here is my problem: The application works fine on W2K but on Win98 when the game isn't running it works but does not work when the game is running. I'm using Visual C++ 6 on W2K for development.


I use GlobalAddAtom() and RegisterHotKey() to register the hotkey.
I use NULL for the HWND (handle to window).

In my WinMain message loop (while (GetMessage(&msg, NULL, 0, 0))) I look for the WM_HOTKEY message.

Anyoe know why this doesn't work on Win98?

 

[doug]

So anyone ever create a program that uses global hotkeys at all?
If so does yours work all the time or do other programs prevent it from working?

 

[RSMemphis]

Your problem most likely is that directx fetches the key event and therefore just by setting a key in the registry you cannot get something else running, I think.
Your application would most likely have to listen to all the key events going on (which I think is possible even when you don't have the focus) and do it that way.

Hope this makes some sense.

 

[bsobel]

Yea, I think you'll need a keyboard hook, or maybe even a low level keyboard hook to do what you want. See SetWindowsHookEx() for more info.
Bill

 

[doug]

Thanks for the ideas and pointers, I'll check them out.

In case anyone is curious I found some info on SetWindowsHookEx()

http://www.cpp.atfreeweb.com/Hooks.html
http://www.pgh.net/~newcomer/hooks.htm