asp.net - AJAX: Statusbar: force update of UpdatePanel while function executes -

I have a label inside an updated panel that I would like to use as a status bar.

Basically the user clicks a button that performs a main task that does a series of tasks. I want to inform the user as the state of the function as if it progresses like:

Step 1: Recovering data ...

Stage 2: calculation of values Do ...

Stage 3: Printing Price ...

Step 4: Complete!

I have tried to update the update panel directly from the function, but it only updates the panel at the end of the function (step 4) and shows "finished" (which I think is how it works should do).

I am looking at timers and threads to separate the panel from the main function and update, but I thought if any better idea?

Have you also placed an updated panel around the label? Set up UpdateMode conditionally, then when you implement your steps, set the text of the label, UpdatePanelProgress.Update () should do this