The Windows API Code Pack – the case of the missing samples

The Windows API Code Pack can be a boon for managed code developers wanting to access Windows functionality such as the TaskBar, Windows Shell, DirectX, Aero, Sensors, and more (see the article for a more complete list).

Unfortunately, the original link is dead (as is the entire MSDN Archive Gallery, may it rest in peace) – you can try the wayback machine but the download link won’t work. As it turns out, the code pack has found a new home in the Nuget repository:

• Windows 7 API Code Pack w/ XML Documentation – Core 1.1.0.2
• Windows 7 API Code Pack w/ XML Documentation – Shell 1.1.0
• Windows API Code Pack – Sensors 1.1.0
• Windows API Code Pack – Extended Linguistic Services 1.1.0

This is all well and good, but these are just the binaries – where are the original code samples? The documentation comprises of thin XML API coverage, not nearly enough for a developer wanting to get started with development quickly. The original download contained many useful samples and these don’t seem to be available anymore.

Fortunately, a quick web search revealed quite a few mirrors of the original package (in its latest 1.1 version) :

• whipstaff
• TimeTrack
• neith
• psd-thumbnail-codec

And just because I’m paranoid, I’ve uploaded a copy to my OneDrive.

But wait, there’s more! The Windows 7 Training Kit For Developers contains yet additional samples using the Windows API Code Pack!

Happy coding 🙂