title: Windows Form Barcode Scanning Into Hidden Text Box
body: <p>I am developing a simple application that requires the user to scan some barcodes in a specific order. Like most (if not all), the USB barcode scanner emulates a keyboard. So, upon scanning a barcode, it will just type the text out is there a an active text box/field. </p>
  
  <p>As I understand, I need an active/focused text box to receive the barcode input. The user should not be able to manipulate the scanned barcode data or enter their own data from the keyboard. Even if by accident.</p>
  
  <p>The barcode scanner hardware is setup to automatically send an  keypress at the end of a successful scan, so I can detect the enter character in a keypress event so know when the scanning is complete.</p>
  
  <p>Ideally the flow is like this: </p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>User opens app, form label says "scan first barcode"</li>
  <li>User scans, and app checks if correct item was scanned, if fail, prompt again</li>
  <li>user scans next barcode and app checks if correct based on scan from step 2, else re-scan</li>
  <li>repeat steps 2 &amp; 3 until complete</li>
  <li>Complete and clear form for new scanning.</li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>Question:
  How do I collect scanned barcodes into a windows form without having a  "visible" active text box and how do I eliminate the chance of a user altering the input?</p>