How do I update the datagrid so it will not affect focus?

How do I update the datagrid so it will not affect focus?

I am trying to make an application which will download records to a datagrid in the background, similar to the way e-mail appears in Outlook. I have this bound to a datagrid, and for argument sake, let's say I have a timer that appends a record to dataset once per second.

So far so good; it works as expected -- except the datagrid steals focus each time the timer fires. If I am on another form, or control, suddenly I am sitting on the grid!

I would like the record to appear without affecting focus. Any idea how to update the datagrid so it will not affect focus?

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I hate thieves, especially those that steal focus! What you're going to need to do in the timer event handler is get the control that has focus on the form (System.Windows.Forms.Control.Controls[].Focused) and save it off. After you do your updating, call the Control.Focus() method to reset the control back.

Of course, the default Data Grid control is not so perfect and there's no easy way to keep it from stealing focus. If it still steals focus and refuses to update in the background, you may be better off looking at one of the third party grid controls.

This was first published in March 2004

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