WinAPI Questions (Code::Blocks & MinGW)

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Windows

MinGW

Okay, this is my first questions here. I have a simple code for a program I'm creating in C++ WinAPI (no MFC or anything, just plain windows.h), and don't exactly get a few things:

1. Text Output or "Labels" - Which way is best? I've seen four different way of text output or so called "Labels", and none work for me.

2. Images in Buttons - Is this even possible? If so, how? I've tried two approaches: creating the button in my RC file, and then SendDlgItemMessage() and creating the button in the main CPP file, then SendMessage the image to the button. Neither were successful.

3. Dimensions & Locations - I have VS2012 Express and hate the way the IDE works, so I use Code::Blocks with MinGW. I also hate how you have to trial and error when trying to get a control in the right place in the window, so I took the dimensions and locations of my controls in VS2012 Express and used them in Code::Blocks, which didn't work. Is there a more efficient way to get controls in the right place with Code::Blocks?

4. Image Boxes - How the heck do these things work? I've tried to use an example, and it compiled fine in Code::Blocks & MinGW, but the image doesn't even show up in the window. What?!

5. Other controls - Progressbars, trackbars, etc. How do these work? Apparently I need extended control libraries to do these. Is this true?

6. Fonts - I've seen three ways to change fonts in a WinAPI window. Which is the best way?

7. Manifest - I've included my "main.xml" file in

1 24 "main.xml"

, yet my window doesn't show modern XP styles. Suggestions? Here's the code for "main.xml":

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?>
<assembly xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:asm.v1" manifestVersion="1.0">
<assemblyIdentity
    version="1.0.0.0"
    processorArchitecture="*"
    name="MobileCracks.BlueN0te.Main"
    type="win32"
/>
<description>iOS Development Tool</description>
<dependency>
    <dependentAssembly>
        <assemblyIdentity
            type="win32"
            name="Microsoft.Windows.Common-Controls"
            version="6.0.0.0"
            processorArchitecture="*"
            publicKeyToken="6595b64144ccf1df"
            language="*"
        />
    </dependentAssembly>
</dependency>
</assembly>

I will have more questions coming. I hope I reach my ultimate goal: creating a WinAPI window with all controls with XP/Vista styles applied. Thanks in advance, and thanks for reading.

~ Mike