BUG: ProgMan DDE Reload() Command Does Not Work Properly

• Microsoft Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) for Windows version 3.1

SUMMARY

The Program Manager DDE Reload() command that is new for Windows 3.1 does not work as documented.

SYMPTOMS

Attempting to use the Reload() command in Windows version 3.1 for a particular GroupName causes that Program Manager group to disappear. On the other hand, not specifying any GroupName, which supposedly instructs the Program Manager to unload all groups and reload the [Groups] section of PROGMAN.INI, causes all the groups to disappear.

RESOLUTION

After all necessary modifications have been made, the Program Manager DDE ReplaceItem() command may be used to delete the group items that have changed; add them back again with the AddItem() command.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in Windows version 3.1. This problem is scheduled to be corrected in the next Windows version.

MORE INFORMATION

The DDE Reload() command documented in the Microsoft Windows version 3.1 Software Development Kit (SDK) "Programmer's Reference, Volume 1: Overview" instructs Program Manager to remove and reload an existing group. An application that modifies group files can use this command to cause the Program Manager to update the groups when it has finished making modifications.