I have some custom controls with a property

public MyComponent MyObject { get; set; }

MyComponent is derived from Component. If I set the class of MyObject to Component I can select any control from the form within the designer (VS 2008). But if I use MyComponent as class (to ensure that onlyinstances ofthis class can be used)I get an exception while loading the form in designer (for all custom properties in my controls).
Seems there is a problem loading MyComponent (missing some methods). I havesearched the forums and the internet but didn't find a howto which methods and interfaces from component I have to override.

It's sure simple...

Hi Bruce,

thanks for your great help.

I think I've found the solution more randomly. Here's the location

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/windowsmobiledev/thread/d9d80b8f-8ff3-4799-898e-766fef295315/

Sorry, I didn't explain that I use compact framework to ensure that the controls can be used on both platforms. The problem seems to be specific to CF. And thus I need an xmta file to publish properties for the designer (I cannot use [...] in my code).

Best Regards,
Harald Pitro

Hi AlterEgo,

I not sure when you said "if I use MyComponent as Class", would you please clarify? Besides, what's the detail of the exception?


Best regards,
Bruce Zhou

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Hi Bruce,

thanks! Here's some code:

public c

lass MyComponent : Component
{
public MyComponent() : base()
{
InitializeComponent();
}

public MyComponent(IContainer container) : base()
{
container.Add(this);
InitializeComponent();
}
}

// next code ist OK, if I drag the MyComponent and MyTextBox on a form,
// I can select the property MyObject (if I publish it in an xmta file)
// but I can now select any component on the form in this property
public class MyTextBox : TextBox
{
public Component MyObject { get; set; }
}

// but if I write that code I get exceptions (in detail VS loops through Serializer methods)
// the exception tells me that it cannot find the type MyComponent
public class MyTextBox : TextBox
{
public MyComponent MyObject { get; set; }
}

Regards,
Harald Pitro

P.S. MyComponent and MyTextBox are stored in separate asemblies.

Hi AlterEgo,

I think the problem is caused by not adding MyComponent assembly as reference, so the designer can't recognize MyComponent type.

To solve this problem, you need to add reference in MyTextBox project by right clicking "Reference" node in the Solution Explorer, and then click add reference. At last, locate the assembly file for MyComponent type, and click Ok.

If the problem can't be solved or any further problem, please feel free to let me know.

Best regards,
Bruce Zhou

---

Please mark the replies as answers if they help and unmark if they don't.

Hi Bruce,

I can compile the MyTextBox assembly and there is a reference to the MyComponent asembly.There is no error in compiling both assemblies.

I get the exception if I open the form where MyComponent and MyTextBox are placed on. This form has references to both, MyComponent and MyTextBox.

Best Regards,
Harald Pitro

Hi AlterEgo,

I tried to reproduce the problem with code and steps you provided, but the problem can't be reproduced on my side. Which version of Visual Studio did you use? The project I created to reproduce the problem is using Visual Studio 2008 SP1.

>// next code ist OK, if I drag the MyComponent and MyTextBox on a form,
>// I can select the property MyObject (if I publish it in an xmta file)
>// but I can now select any component on the form in this property

What did you mean by saying "if I publish it in an xmta file"?


Best regards,
Bruce Zhou

---

Please mark the replies as answers if they help and unmark if they don't.

Hi Bruce,

thanks for your great help.

I think I've found the solution more randomly. Here's the location

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/windowsmobiledev/thread/d9d80b8f-8ff3-4799-898e-766fef295315/

Sorry, I didn't explain that I use compact framework to ensure that the controls can be used on both platforms. The problem seems to be specific to CF. And thus I need an xmta file to publish properties for the designer (I cannot use [...] in my code).

Best Regards,
Harald Pitro

Hi AlterEgo,

Thanks for your reply. Glad you found the solution addressing your problem.


Best regards,
Bruce Zhou

---

Please mark the replies as answers if they help and unmark if they don't.