INFO: Using SetParent() to Change a Window Parent

 Last reviewed: January 12, 1998
Article ID: Q89563

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 3.x
  • Microsoft Windows 95
  • Microsoft Windows NT 3.51

SUMMARY

SetParent() can be used to change the parent window of a pop-up, overlapped, or child window. However, pop-up and overlapped windows were not designed to have a parent and they may function incorrectly if they are given a parent using SetParent. For example, messages like "WM_ACTIVATEAPP" that are sent only to top-level windows, will not be sent to a pop-up or overlapped window that has been given a parent. Child windows can be safely re-parented.

The process that created the parent window can be the same as, or different than the process that created the window that is being re-parented. 

Keywords          : kb16bitonly UsrWndw kbprg
Version           : WIN3.X:3.0,3.1; WINNT:3.51
Platform          : Win95 WINDOWS winnt

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Last reviewed: January 12, 1998
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