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4/8/2010

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

Syntax 

HDC GetWindowDC( 
  HWND 
hWnd
);

Parameters

hWnd

Handle to the window with a device context that is to be retrieved.

If this value is NULL, GetWindowDCretrieves the device context for the entire screen.

Return Value

The handle of a device context for the specified window indicates success.

NULL indicates an error or an invalid hWndparameter.

To get extended error information, call GetLastError.

Remarks

GetWindowDCis intended for special painting effects within a window's nonclient area. Painting in nonclient areas of any window is not recommended.

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

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

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

Requirements

Header winuser.h
Library coredll.lib, Winmgr.lib
Windows Embedded CE Windows CE 1.0 and later
Windows Mobile Windows Mobile Version 5.0 and later

See Also