Options/Help Tab
This tab allows you to set user preferences and view this help information.
Object Create Options
The WIL Type Viewer has two strategies for obtaining type information for COM object associated with programmatic identifiers. It first attempts to find and load an associated type library. When this fails it can attempt to create an instance of the object to obtain type information directly from the running object. This is equivalent to using the WIL ObjectCreate function. These settings controls if and when WIL Type Viewer creates an instance of a COM object.
While creating an instance of an object is generally safe, on rare occasions it can have undesirable side effects. A few of the potential problems are list below.
. An object implementation can contain defects (bugs) that may interfere with normal system operation.
. A programmatic identifier may actually be associated with a worm, trojan, spyware or other malware.
. An object may not terminate when the Viewer releases it. This can lead to the depletion of system resources. (Loading Microsoft® Office Excel with the progid excel.application is an example. However, using the progid excel.sheet allows you to get all Excel type information without creating an Excel object.)
Never create objects
This option prevents the viewer from ever attempting to create an object. When the viewer cannot find a type library for programmatic identifier, it displays an error message. This is the safest setting but it limits the number of viewable COM objects.
Prompt before creating object
When this option is selected, WIL Type Viewer displays a prompt whenever it needs to create an instance of an object. You can then choose whether or not to permit creation of the object associated with the current progid. This is the recommended setting.
Always create objects when necessary
This option allows WIL Type Viewer to create objects whenever necessary. You are not prompted before an object associated with a progid is created. This option allows you to avoid pressing a button but does pose a small risk.
Additional Options
Currently, WIL Type Viewer has one additional user setting.
Minimize to Taskbar’s Status Area
Select this option to have WIL Type Viewer place an icon in the 'Status Area' of the Windows Taskbar and not create a button on the main Taskbar area when you minimize it using the system menu. Even if this option is selected Windows will still create a button for the viewer on the main Taskbar area when another application becomes active.
About/Help
This section contains product information including the product version. It also provides a link the WinBatch® Web site and a way to view this help information.
Help
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