we are using CryEngine Sandbox, which is build on XT 13.4.

It has a nice docking system where all tools can be docked.

We have access to Sandbox source code but not to XT code.

We would like to have each tool in sandbox to appear on task bar as a single window with no parent in order to be able to minimize and restore tools independently on the main window of the Sandbox.

Sandbox uses CXTPDockingPaneManager to create floating windows for every tool. So at the end it produces CXTPDockingPaneMiniWnd. I've managed to change window style to WS_OVERLAPPEDWINDOW and WS_EX_APPWINDOW using win API. Now we can see tool windows on the task bar but they are still linked to the main app so when the main app is minimized it hides all tool windows as well.

I tried to set parent to null or desctop window but with no success. I also cleared owner with no result.

My question: is there a way how to create floating dock panes which appears on task bar and user is able to minimize and restore them independently on main app?

Main reason for this is possibility to work with specific tool without having main window displayed.

Thanks in advance for any help or info.

Michal