Normally when creating a sub window (WS_POPUP), the child window will become activate and the parent will become deactivated. However, with menus, both remain active. At least I am assuming the menu is active, it at least has focus.

Example: Click on the file menu in notepad, the menu appears, yet the notepad window still looks active.

Is it possible to mirror this behavior with either a window style or responding to a particular message?

Thanks

Another example: Combo boxes seem to show a subwindow, yet do not deactivate the window. And you can click on that subwindow, while still maintaining an activate main window. Any ideas on how to grab the class /style of that window?