Hey, I'm trying to build my own screen capture program in VB2008 (codename:Orcas) and I basically have no idea how to start.

What I need the program to do is run in the background using very little memory and intercept every keypress (without causing a delay) or just the PRT SCR key. When the PRT SCR key is pressed, it takes what's in the clipboard, saves it as pic00000x.jpg and then increments x by 1.

I had the idea to essentially build a keylogger and then just remove all the checks except for the PRT SCR key, but I'm still stumped.

I'm trying to do this so I can capture screens out of games without constantly swapping between the game and Photoshop, while still reserving system memory and CPU power. For example, I was trying to capture screens from Crysis, but it required pausing and saving a new jpg every time I wanted to capture a screen.

Any IDEAS?


P.S.
Since I just laid out basically how to write the entire program, here's my actual PROBLEM:
A) I don't know the CODE to make it run in the background
B) I don't know the code to intercept keystrokes
C) I don't know how to make it not delay my keystrokes
D) I don't know the numeric code for the PRT SCR button
E) I don't know how to SAVE the clipboard to a .jpg through VB

etc. etc.

Thanks
-Rockrockerest,

As you might GUESS, being too specific about keylogging programs can be hazardous to everyone's well-being.

A) One method would be to create program as a windows application and delete the form. Easier would be to create program as a DLL.

B) Iterate thru a System.Windows.Forms.Keys enumeration checking for pressed keys. The User32.dll should very helpful.

C) Not sure this applies. The keylogger will run asynchronously to your game.

D) PRTSCRN is a function key. My guess is that the system hooks this key; your appplication may never see a keypress event.

E) To save the clipboard as a jpg file, use the VB Help and look for My.Computer.Clipboard.GetImage

Disclaimer: Installing a keylogger program on a computer not your own is illegal.