However, relying on this library in standalone desktop applications is a massive liability. Let's explore why you should avoid it and how to strip it out of your code safely. 🛑 The Core Problems with FM20.DLL 1. It is Legally Non-Redistributable
Because they are Office components, you may encounter licensing errors when trying to create these controls on a machine that does not have Microsoft Office or Visual Studio installed. 3. Behavioural Differences
: Provides robust, redistributable list views and tree views that handle complex data structures safely.
The provides an alternative suite of controls. Originally designed for Microsoft Office UserForms (VBA), this library can be integrated directly into VB6 projects to expand user interface capabilities. What is the Microsoft Forms 2.0 Object Library?
For a more modern, fully supported look, many developers eventually migrate to .NET WinForms or WPF, but for native VB6, Forms 2.0 is a strong option. microsoft forms 20 object library vb6
If you are maintaining a legacy Visual Basic 6.0 application, you have likely encountered the ( FM20.DLL ). Developers originally gravitated toward this library because it offered advanced UI capabilities that native VB6 controls lacked—such as native Unicode support, and multi-column dropdowns in ComboBoxes and ListBoxes.
While FM20.DLL offers excellent features, it introduces severe deployment challenges. The License Restriction
The VB6 community has explored workarounds to overcome the deployment limitation. One such method is to include the necessary DLL files within your application's folder, often called a "local deployment". The required files typically are:
Drag and drop fields from your Data Environment onto the section of the report. Display the Report : However, relying on this library in standalone desktop
The event model is slightly different from native VB6 controls, but it’s intuitive. For instance, MultiPage fires a Change event when you switch tabs.
The MSForms.DataObject is a straightforward and reliable way to programmatically interact with the clipboard. The following example shows how to copy text to and retrieve text from the clipboard using the Forms 2.0 object.
Companies like Sheridan, FarPoint, or ComponentOne provided robust VB6 compatible UI packs, though these are now also legacy. Conclusion
Scroll down the list until you find . Check the box next to it. Click Apply , then OK . It is Legally Non-Redistributable Because they are Office
The application will run smoothly because Office registers the necessary design-time and run-time licenses.
This library is often used in VB6 specifically to gain access to Unicode-aware
If the goal is business forms or surveys, ignore desktop controls entirely and utilize cloud solutions like Microsoft Forms (online) or Power Apps.
Yes, it is legal. The library is distributed by Microsoft. However, redistributing it as a part of your own software is not supported or permitted by its licensing. This means you can use it on a development machine but cannot legally package and distribute FM20.DLL with your application.
Instruct users on non-Office machines to download and install the historic Microsoft ActiveX Control Pad Setup , which legally registers a redistributable version of FM20.DLL on the operating system.