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I need a full-source-code recreation of the classic Visual Basic 6 development environment, internally referred to as “Visual Basic 7.” My main goal is to open and run existing VB6 projects with zero functional loss, while adding modern support for .png images in both the Image and PictureBox controls. Core requirements • Replicate all standard VB6 user-interface components, complete with property windows, toolbox, code editor, and form designer. • Preserve the original event-driven programming model so legacy code behaves exactly as it does in VB6. • Ensure ActiveX controls register and load seamlessly. • Add built-in .png file selection and rendering for Image and PictureBox controls (no external converters—the controls must handle transparency natively). Deliverables 1. Full Visual Studio–compatible solution (source only, no binaries) that compiles and runs without third-party installers. 2. Clear build/readme instructions so I can compile and extend the environment later. 3. A sample migrated VB6 project demonstrating functional parity and the new .png capability. Tech notes • Windows-only target is fine. • You may use .NET (WinForms or WPF) as the underlying framework provided the IDE surface and runtime behaviour remain faithful to VB6. • Clean, well-documented code is essential; future features will be layered on top. Acceptance criteria – Existing VB6 forms load without manual edits. – Event wiring (e.g., Command1_Click) triggers correctly. – ActiveX controls register automatically on first load. – .png images display with full alpha transparency in Image/PictureBox. If you have prior experience reverse-engineering or emulating legacy IDEs, let me know in your proposal along with a brief outline of your planned architecture.
Project ID: 40625919
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70 freelancers are bidding on average €3,038 EUR for this job

A Warm Hello! We are readily available to start working on this project ! We are a software development agency with extensive experience modernizing legacy Windows applications, reverse-engineering desktop software, building custom IDEs, language tooling, and maintaining backward compatibility while introducing modern capabilities. We understand that success isn’t just about matching the UI—it is about preserving the original VB6 behavior so existing projects continue to work without modification. We would be happy to discuss the finer implementation details, compatibility edge cases, and project milestones before getting started. Looking forward to working with you. Best regards, Ana
€5,000 EUR in 50 days
9.8
9.8

Hello, Your project is an ambitious and technically fascinating challenge that aligns well with my experience in reverse engineering, legacy software compatibility, and .NET desktop development. I have extensive experience with VB6, WinForms, Windows internals, COM/ActiveX integration, and building tools that preserve legacy behavior while extending functionality with modern features. My approach would be to separate the solution into modular components: a VB6-compatible runtime, project/parser layer (.vbp/.frm/.ctl), IDE shell (toolbox, property grid, form designer, code editor), event dispatcher, and an ActiveX compatibility layer. This architecture keeps the codebase maintainable while allowing future features to be added without affecting compatibility. The solution will include clean, well-documented source code, a Visual Studio solution requiring no proprietary installers, detailed build instructions, and a sample VB6 project demonstrating compatibility and the new PNG functionality. I communicate regularly throughout development, provide incremental milestones, and focus on writing maintainable code suitable for long-term expansion. I would be happy to discuss implementation details and refine the architecture before development begins. I look forward to working with you on this unique project.
€1,725 EUR in 14 days
8.4
8.4

Since 2000 I have been working on Visual Basic (VB6 and VB.NET) and MSSQL, and MS Access MDB. Also Excel spread sheet. So more than 20 years of experience in Visual Basic to build any kind of Windows application. I have created Point of Sales, Inventory, Accounting, Back Office, Hardware Controller System, etc. If you need a good delivery of job and move this project to successful then message me, please.
€5,000 EUR in 60 days
7.4
7.4

Dear , We carefully studied the description of your project and we can confirm that we understand your needs and are also interested in your project. Our team has the necessary resources to start your project as soon as possible and complete it in a very short time. We are 25 years in this business and our technical specialists have strong experience in C Programming, Visual Basic, Software Architecture, C++ Programming, Software Development, Software Engineering and other technologies relevant to your project. Please, review our profile https://www.freelancer.com/u/tangramua where you can find detailed information about our company, our portfolio, and the client's recent reviews. Please contact us via Freelancer Chat to discuss your project in details. Best regards, Sales department Tangram Canada Inc.
€2,935 EUR in 5 days
7.5
7.5

VB6 project compatibility hinges on faithfully reproducing its runtime semantics, not just rebuilding the IDE interface. I’d separate this into a VB6 project/form parser, designer and property system, event-binding layer, runtime host, and ActiveX loader. The key risk is preserving control names, indexed controls, default properties, FRX resources, and handlers such as `Command1_Click` without rewriting legacy files. ActiveX registration should be isolated and validated before loading a project, with clear errors for missing or incompatible OCX dependencies. For PNG support, Image and PictureBox would accept PNG files directly while preserving alpha transparency through the underlying WinForms or WPF rendering layer. The solution would include source, build instructions, architecture documentation, and a sample migrated project covering forms, events, ActiveX loading, and PNG rendering. Should compatibility target standard VB6 projects first, or must the initial version also support project groups and user controls?
€3,000 EUR in 25 days
7.1
7.1

With over a decade of experience in software development and strong expertise in C and C++, I, Mubeen, from Web Crest, am more than equipped to take on this challenging project. My understanding of the intricacies of Visual Basic, combined with my ability to reverse-engineer complex code systems, makes me the ideal fit to create your needed Visual Basic 6 IDE Clone. I have previously worked on similar projects involving legacy system replication, ensuring that components behave exactly as intended and language syntax remains the same. Additionally, my broader set of skills in Software Architecture allows me to provide long-term solutions for your needs. This means that not only will our final product be a perfect replica of VB6 with added PNG support for Image and PictureBox controls, but its thorough documentation will make future enhancements easier to implement without sacrificing performance or functionality. Moreover, I wholly believe in maintaining seamless communication channels throughout projects and providing agile project management- ensuring that we deliver on time whilst exceeding your expectations. So, let's traverse the horizon and recreate VB6 with modernization of PNG capabilities together!
€2,000 EUR in 7 days
6.8
6.8

I can build this as a Windows-native VB7 environment focused on opening, designing, and running VB6 projects without requiring form or code edits. The attached reference clearly shows the target workflow: classic menu/toolbar layout, left toolbox, MDI form designer with sizing handles and grid, Project Explorer, and the categorized/alphabetic Properties window. These details will guide the shell and designer behavior, not merely the visual styling. I would use C#/.NET with WPF for the dockable IDE surface and a compatibility layer that parses .vbp, .frm, .frx, and BAS/CLS files into an internal project model. The designer will map VB6 properties, twip-based layout, control arrays, and event bindings such as Command1_Click. A VB-compatible runtime layer will dispatch events and provide control behavior, while COM interop handles ActiveX discovery, registration on first load, and hosting. Image and PictureBox adapters will add native PNG loading/rendering with alpha transparency while retaining VB6-compatible properties. The solution will be cleanly layered into project parser, designer/control library, code/runtime engine, ActiveX host, and IDE UI, with build instructions and a migrated sample proving form loading, events, ActiveX, and transparent PNGs. Do you need the first release to support only standard Microsoft VB6 controls, or should third-party ActiveX controls be included in the parity sample as well? Muhammad Saad
€3,000 EUR in 7 days
6.4
6.4

Hi Nikyts, I’m excited to bid on this project to recreate the classic Visual Basic 6 development environment. My decade of experience as an individual developer ensures that I can deliver a robust and faithful recreation, complete with all core requirements. Here’s what will be included: 1. User Interface Components: I’ll replicate all standard VB6 components including property windows, toolbox, code editor, and form designer. 2. Event-Driven Programming Model: Legacy code will run exactly as it does in VB6 to ensure zero functional loss. 3. ActiveX Control Support: ActiveX controls will register and load seamlessly on first load. 4. Modern Image Handling: I’ll add built-in .png file selection and rendering with full alpha transparency for both Image and PictureBox controls. Deliverables: 1. A full Visual Studio-compatible solution (source only, no binaries) that compiles and runs without third-party installers. 2. Clear build/readme instructions so you can compile and extend the environment later. 3. A sample migrated VB6 project demonstrating functional parity and the new .png capability. Technical Notes: - The project will be Windows-only as targeted. - I’ll use either WinForms or WPF for the underlying framework, ensuring fidelity to VB6 behavior. - Clean, well-documented code is essential for future feature extensions. Acceptance Criteria: - Existing VB6 forms load without manual edits. - Events trigger correctly (e.g., Command1_Click). - ActiveX controls register automatically on first load. - .png images display with full alpha transparency in Image/PictureBox. For more details, you can review my portfolio here: https://www.freelancer.com/u/reedsystems Looking forward to your feedback and the opportunity to collaborate! Best regards, Reed
€3,050 EUR in 40 days
5.3
5.3

Drawing from my extensive background as a Senior Full Stack Engineer, I possess the requisite skills in reverse-engineering and emulating legacy IDEs, which makes me an ideal candidate to execute your Visual Basic 6 IDE Clone project. With meticulous attention to detail and a focus on preserving functional parity, my past experience has equipped me with the ability to precisely replicate all standard VB6 user-interface components. I am well-versed in working with Windows-based frameworks such as .NET (WinForms and WPF), ensuring that the IDE surfaces and runtime behaviors remain faithful to VB6, while introducing modern support for .png images in the Image and PictureBox controls. My clean, well-documented code is not just a sign of professionalism, but also essential for future feature layering that can be easily extended by you. Finally, my core expertise in Software Development is highly relevant to this task as I am skilled in managing the entire development lifecycle—from product planning, system architecture, to implementation and long-term maintenance. Additionally, I have strong familiarity with Microsoft's ecosystem, making my solution well-tailored for Windows-only targets. Trust me with your Visual Basic project; together we'll breathe new life into your VB6 projects while equipping them for a modern, .png-rich world!
€3,000 EUR in 7 days
5.0
5.0

Dear Client, I am excited to submit my proposal for your Visual Basic "7" – Visual Basic 6 IDE Clone project. I have experience in desktop application development, IDE design, and software engineering, with a strong understanding of creating user-friendly development environments. I can help build a modern Visual Basic 6-style IDE clone that recreates the familiar workflow while introducing improved usability, compatibility, and enhanced functionality. My approach includes designing the IDE interface, implementing core features such as project management, code editing, form design, property panels, toolbox integration, and debugging workflows. I can work with technologies suitable for building a responsive desktop development environment while focusing on performance, clean architecture, and accurate emulation of the classic VB6 experience. I will ensure the application is structured for future expansion and additional language or framework support if required.
€1,000 EUR in 7 days
4.7
4.7

Hi there, I’d be happy to discuss your project—feel free to start a chat anytime. I’m a full-stack developer with solid experience building scalable web and desktop applications, and with the help of AI tools like cursor, I’m confident I can deliver your project efficiently and on time. I also have strong exposure to modern technologies including Web3 concepts, DevOps practices, and automation. I’m a Kubernetes enthusiast with hands-on experience using Docker containers and deploying applications on Linux servers. My expertise includes: MERN / MEAN Stack (development + team management) .NET Core APIs with Angular, including D3.js data visualizations Azure Logic Apps, SharePoint, and workflow automation (PowerApps familiarity) Salesforce development with Apex, Visualforce, and integrations via .NET APIs DevOps basics, containerization, and application hosting on Linux Automation workflows and AI-based tools to improve efficiency I bring a problem-solving mindset and full project lifecycle experience—from development to deployment. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you!
€5,000 EUR in 15 days
4.2
4.2

Hello, I can dive into your project immediately. I have developed Windows desktop applications, legacy modernization projects, custom IDE tooling, code parsers, and Visual Studio solutions using C#, C++, and .NET, with experience maintaining compatibility for long-lived software systems. My approach is to design a modular architecture that faithfully reproduces VB6 project loading, forms, event handling, and designer behavior while extending Image and PictureBox controls with native PNG support, keeping the codebase well documented, maintainable, and ready for future enhancements. I want to discuss with you in more details. Kind regards, Mojjammil
€3,000 EUR in 10 days
4.3
4.3

Hi, You need more than a VB6-style shell here, you need a source-only IDE clone that loads real VB6 projects, keeps event wiring intact, and adds native PNG support in Image and PictureBox. I’ve worked on desktop tooling and legacy workflow emulation, including form designers, code editors, and control hosting in WinForms/WPF-style environments. For this, I’d keep the runtime model close to VB6, map legacy forms and events directly, and build the designer around faithful property, toolbox, and code windows. For PNGs, I’d implement alpha-aware loading directly in the control pipeline so transparency renders correctly without external converters. I’d also handle ActiveX registration on first load and document the build so you can extend it later. If you want, I can outline the architecture and milestone plan next. Best regards, Gabriel
€1,000 EUR in 15 days
4.1
4.1

Hi, Aashiq (Ash) here from Cape Town, South Africa. This project instantly caught my eye, so I had to reach out. I see you’re looking for a full-source-code recreation of the Visual Basic 6 development environment, ensuring seamless functionality for legacy projects. That’s a unique challenge, and I love tackling projects that bridge the old with the new. I've helped businesses modernize their software through effective IDE solutions and extensive experience in reverse-engineering applications. I’m confident I can deliver exactly what you’re looking for. Feel free to request samples of similar projects I’ve successfully completed. Based on what you mentioned, here is how we would approach the project: - Replicate the VB6 interface with all standard components. - Ensure legacy code runs without functional loss. - Implement native .png support with transparency. - Provide clear documentation for future extensions. You can count on clear communication and a seamless, user-focused solution that optimizes performance, utilizing the latest relevant technologies. Best Regards, Aashiq
€4,500 EUR in 7 days
4.3
4.3

Coming across your interesting project, I couldn't help but feel that my expertise in full-stack development would be a perfect match for your requirements. I have honed my skills over the years on various platforms including React, Vue, Angular, Node.js, Django, Flask and have a solid understanding of technologies such as MongoDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL. Though my primary focus has been on web and mobile app development, I'm well-versed with TensorFlow and PyTorch which I believe will be invaluable for your needs. Building scalable applications that drive real results has always been at the core of my work values. I am confident in my ability to deliver a product that emulates the VB 6 development environment while incorporating the required modernizations effortlessly. Moreover, encompassing AI/ML skills in my services would propel this project into another dimension - consolidating the VB 6 features while incorporating new functionalities. My ability for methodological investigations and profound issue-solving abilities will be helpful to satisfy the acceptance criteria of this project. Lastly, Clean code documenting is never negotiable in my projects,warranting that future features are layered on easier with complete seamless integration.
€1,500 EUR in 7 days
3.7
3.7

Hello, I have carefully reviewed your project requirements and understand your vision for recreating a VB6-compatible development environment with full legacy project support, faithful IDE behavior, ActiveX compatibility, and native PNG support while maintaining the original event-driven programming model. With 9+ years of software development experience, I have extensive experience with C#, .NET, WinForms/WPF, Windows desktop applications, legacy software modernization, reverse engineering, and IDE/tool development. You will get: 1. Clean and well-structured source code 2. 100% client satisfaction 3. Fast milestone-wise delivery 4. Suitable pricing 5. Unlimited revisions 6. Complete NDA & IP protection (project security is our top priority) Available to start immediately and committed to delivering regular progress updates throughout the project. Come inbox & let’s get started. Best regards, Sohaib Pasn Games
€3,000 EUR in 60 days
3.5
3.5

Hi there! Quick question: for the VB6 projects you want to migrate, are we talking about handling inline ActiveX controls embedded in forms, or just the standard Microsoft ones that come built-in? Regardless, this is definitely something that I feel confident delivering on, given my past experience. I would love to discuss your project further! Looking forward hearing from you. kind regards, Corné
€3,000 EUR in 7 days
3.6
3.6

Hello, "Custom WinForms VB6 IDE Clone" - need a faithful VB6 environment with PNG support. I will recreate the VB6 UI using WinForms/WPF, keep the original event model, and integrate native PNG handling for Image and PictureBox controls. This ensures legacy code runs unchanged while adding modern image support. ActiveX components will be auto‑registered on first load, and I’ll provide a clear build guide and a sample migrated project. Which .NET version do you prefer for the IDE (e.g., .NET Framework 4.8 or .NET 6)? Looking forward to working with you. Artur Giżycki
€2,800 EUR in 10 days
1.0
1.0

Hi, I can complete this efficiently and on time. To recreate the classic Visual Basic 6 IDE as "Visual Basic 7", I will replicate all standard VB6 user-interface components, ensuring seamless functionality for legacy code. ActiveX controls will register smoothly, and I will integrate native support for .png images in Image and PictureBox controls. Using .NET framework (WinForms or WPF), I will maintain the original event-driven programming model for accurate legacy code behavior. Clean, well-documented code will pave the way for future enhancements. For the deliverables, I will provide a Visual Studio-compatible solution with clear build instructions, along with a sample migrated VB6 project showcasing functional parity and the new .png capability. I have experience in reverse-engineering legacy IDEs and will focus on ensuring existing VB6 forms load effortlessly, event wiring triggers correctly, ActiveX controls auto-register, and .png images display with full alpha transparency. Looking forward to discussing further details and sharing my planned architecture with you. Cheers, Yuan.C
€4,500 EUR in 15 days
0.8
0.8

As a skilled and experienced software developer with proficiency in languages including C, C++, and Visual Basic, I believe I am uniquely suited for the task at hand. Throughout my 10 years in the field, I have built numerous apps and websites that prioritize seamless functionality, much like your project requires. Most significantly, I have reverse-engineered and emulated legacy systems in previous assignments, giving me an edge in accurately recreating your VB6 development environment – or as you called it, 'VB7'. In line with your requirements, I can create a full Visual Studio-compatible solution (with source only) guaranteeing that all existing VB6 projects will open smoothly without any functional loss. I can replicate the UI components precisely while improving it by adding modern support for .png images in Image and PictureBox controls – rendering transparency natively - so that you won't need to use external converters. Furthermore, if chosen for this project, you can expect clean and well-documented code which will be crucial for any future enhancements. My consistent emphasis on delivering high-quality work coupled with my team's experience makes me confident that we can provide a superior product that meets all your specifications. Let's work together to turn this important migration into a successful reality!
€3,000 EUR in 7 days
0.1
0.1

Alverca, Portugal
Member since Dec 19, 2008
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