.NET Compact Framework inputPanel1.Enabled error

If you are trying to automatically show an Input Panel in a Compact Framework windows application in the InitializeComponent() method, you will likely get this runtime error in .NET 1.1 Framework.

If you are trying to automatically show an Input Panel in a Compact Framework windows application in the InitializeComponent() method, you will likely get this runtime error in .NET 1.1 Framework.


If you are trying to automatically show an Input Panel in a Compact Framework windows application in the InitializeComponent() method, you will likely get this runtime error in .NET 1.1 Framework.

An unhandled exception of type 'System.Exception' occurred in Microsoft.WindowsCE.Forms.dll

This appears to either be a bug or a problem with initialization of the panel prior to the complete initialization of the form.

In order to make this work, simply create a _GotFocus event for another control on the form such as a textbox or command button. In the InitializeCompnent method, call .Focus() on that control.

public Form1()
{
InitializeComponent();
this.txtText.Focus();
}

private void InitializeComponent()
{
this.txtText.GotFocus += new System.EventHandler(this.txtText_GotFocus);
}

In the control _GotFocus event, set the input panel enabled property to true.

private void txtText_GotFocus(object sender, System.EventArgs e)
{
this.inputPanel1.Enabled = true;
}