PRB: Changes in BMP Files Don't Appear in @...SAY

• Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows, version 3.0
• Microsoft FoxPro for Windows, version 2.6a

SYMPTOMS

If you issue the @...SAY <.BMP file> BITMAP command, and then make changes to the .BMP file, when you reissue the @...SAY command, the changes to the .BMP file are not displayed.

CAUSE

The .BMP image is cached after the first @...SAY, so when the command is repeated, FoxPro does not read the modified file from disk.

WORKAROUND

If you are using FoxPro for Windows version 2.x, issue the following command before subsequent @...SAY commands:

   =SYS(1015)

WARNING: This function is undocumented and therefore may be changed or omitted without notice from future releases of FoxPro. The reliability of this function is not guaranteed.

If you are using Visual FoxPro for Windows version 3.0, you can create a form, place an OLE container on the form, and use the Show method to refresh the image.

If you are using Visual FoxPro, you can create a form and place an OLE bound control on the form to display the .BMP file. Then, you can use the SHOW method of the form to refresh the .BMP.

NOTE: The .BMP must to be linked instead of embedded. An embedded .BMP will not work in this case.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. In the Command window issue this command:

   @1,1 SAY "c:\windows\castle.bmp"

2. Launch Paintbrush and open CASTLE.BMP from the Windows directory.

3. Make changes to the picture and save the file.

4. Repeat step 1. Note that the changes to the file do not appear.

5. In the Command window issue the command:

   =SYS(1015)

6. Repeat step 1. Note that now the changed bitmap is displayed.