Change system colour for disabled menu item with this macro

Original Article Date: Aug 12, 2005 

With thanks to Peter Overtoom from Bentley's Technical Support Group in Hoofddorp for this VBA code that changes the system text colour used for displaying disabled menu items. And, as always, thanks to Rudi Wells for passing it along. This code is especially cool for those of you with ailing eyes, or for the color-blind. :-)

Can you see this text well enough?

If not, then keep reading......

Note:
The colour value used for the above text, and all other user interface items, is definded by the operating system - not the application. The following VBA code will change this system colour and the changes will be evident in *all* applications including MicroStation.

From any design file, just run the following code in a new VBA:

Private Declare Function SetSysColors Lib "user32" (ByVal nChanges As Long, _
lpSysColor As Long, lpColorValues As Long) As Long
Private Sub main()
Dim SysColor(1) As Long
Dim ColorValues(1) As Long
SysColor(0) = 17 'Disabled text
ColorValues(0) = RGB(125, 125, 125) 'Dark Grey
SetSysColors 1, SysColor(0), ColorValues(0)
End Sub

Note, you only have to do this once for the changes to stick.
Also, in the event that you want to set your machine back to normal, use these RGB values: 192, 192, 192

This program is supplied as is. This program does not come with support. AskInga, Bentley Systems Inc., and the author of the program assumes no liability for damages direct, indirect, or consequential, which may result from the use of this program. Use this program at your own risk.

AskInga Article #258