Solution: Using API functions restricted for plugins in outofproc app

[orlandocurioso]

HeikoSS showed a method to read string pointers from an external app.
(http://forums.winamp.com/showthread....rnal+app%2Fdll)
Thus API's restricted for plugins like IPC_GETPLAYLISTFILE can be used also by outofprocess apps.

Other API's like IPC_SETSKIN or IPC_GETSKIN expect a stringbuffer in winamp memoryspace to read or return data.
HowTo setup a stringbuffer in external memory?
A solution: Steal a string pointer, save its data, 'misuse' it for expected stringbuffer, restore the data after use.
IPC_GETINIFILE is the ideal candidate to steal its returned pointer to winamp.ini file.

Code in VB:
A module containing functions,which can be used in- or outofprocess (handy for debugging plugin in VB IDE).
HeikoSS's method is packaged in a common GetWinampString function. GetSkinFont is an example how to use it.
IPC_GETINIFILE,IPC_GETPLAYLISTFILE,IPC_GETPLAYLISTTITLE etc can be implemented alike.

My hack wraps in a StolenPointer property and a WriteWinampString function.
SetSkin is an example, if API reads string data.Similiar IPC's are IPC_EXECPLUG,IPC_MBOPEN,IPC_CHANGECURRENTFILE.
GetSkinDir as an example, if API returns string data.Similiar IPC is IPC_GETMBURL.
Notice the different SendMessage declarations for in/outofproc.

Code tested with Winamp 2.91,Win2000,VB6 .no harm noticed on winamp or other plugins

3(& a lot more) questions:
Is there any 'official' way to place a string in external memory?
HowTo deal with structs in a similiar fashion?
Why is returned fontsize 30% larger than actual? (sngCorr in GetSkinFont)

[orlandocurioso]

Originally posted by orlandocurioso
Why is returned fontsize 30% larger than actual? (sngCorr in GetSkinFont)

I will answer that myself,since this is such a busy thread.
Winamp returns pixels, VB StdFont is in points,stupid me.

Updated GetSkinFont in module: