C+ Programming: DOS Window Problem

[nicksteel]

I'm have a DOS project control system I developed some years ago that presents data both onscreen and as HP/GL plotter files. It still performs well under NT and WindowsXP within a DOS window. It is written in Clipper (a C based dbase compiler) that utilizes a library I created containing C primitives for drawing onscreen.

My problem is this:

When I set video mode to graphics, the program runs perfectly, but, when returning from the routine, I cannot return to the window. I end up in full screen.

Is there a simple means for avoiding this. For example, is it possible to open another dos window, run the routine and close the window, returning to the original window. Or some other method.

The problem must be similiar to that encountered when showing a jpg called from within a dos window.

Sure would appreciate any thoughts on the subject, even though this strays a long way from video processing.

[kwag]

Hi nicksteel,

How about if you "spawn" a new process from your application
This way, you open a command prompt, and then run your application. Your application then runs as a "child", leaving the current DOS Box, and running separately. Then, when the application ends, it will automatically close, and you'll be back at the same DOS box you originally opened.
Look into the "exec..." C functions.
Hints here : http://www.c-for-dummies.com/lessons/bonus/05/

-kwag