title: .Net Not Responding, Application.DoEvents and Threading
body: <p>My mdi VB.Net application performs a long operation on some data. Ideally I should use a separate thread to prevent the dreaded “Not Responding” message.</p>
  
  <p>My problem is if I use a separate thread users then have the ability to click on other controls in the application which can directly affect the operation my background thread is working on, creating an error.</p>
  
  <p>Is there any way to prevent all the mdi windows, toolbars and other controls from receiving mouse clicks and keyboard input during my background thread’s operation? </p>
  
  <p>Or is there a way to clear the message que before performing a Application.DoEvents?</p>
  
  <p>Thanks</p>