Use of Windows START command

[jabhawk]

I was wordering if anyone had used the Windows START command to launch files from within VFP apps. I have a custom application that will take CSV,XLS and other formatted files and load them to tables.

I wanted to allow the user preview ability before the file is loaded. As not all clients will have the same tools loaded I wanted to let Windows open the file in the assosiated application.

Normally from other apps I would use a shell command to run the following command line:
START pathname\filename.ext
The correct application would launch and open the file.

In VFP I issue the command RUN "START ..." and I see a Dos window flash but the file does not open and I get no messages.

I would rather not have to define the Automation calls within the module as it is a small low use tool. Any thoughts or simple code to do this?

Jon B
2000/XP/ME runtime workstations VFP 6.0 SP2

Jonthan A Black

 

[Mike Lewis]

Jonathan,

This sounds like an ideal job for ShellExecute(). Although it is possible to RUN the Start command, ShellExecute() is easier and more reliable.

For more information, see:

http://www.ml-consult.demon.co.uk/foxst-26.htm

Mike


Mike Lewis
Edinburgh, Scotland

http://www.ml-consult.demon.co.uk

 

[MrFancyteeth]

SHELLEXECUTE will open the file in the windows associated application

DECLARE INTEGER ShellExecute IN shell32.dll ;
INTEGER hndWin, ;
STRING cAction, ;
STRING cFileName, ;
STRING cParams, ;
STRING cDir, ;
INTEGER nShowWin


cFileName = ***INSERT path+FILE HERE ****
cAction = "open"
nret=ShellExecute(0,cAction,cFileName,"","",1)


for more info - Mike Lewis's site

http://www.ml-consult.demon.co.uk/foxst-26.htm

2nd recommendation for this site in 2 days!!

mrF

 

[MrFancyteeth]

Mr Lewis - You beat me to it.

As you said Ideal application for the use of shell execute

mrF

 

[Mike Lewis]

Mr F,

Thanks for you kind words about that article, both here and earlier today. It has now become the most downloaded article on my site.

Mike


Mike Lewis
Edinburgh, Scotland

http://www.ml-consult.demon.co.uk

 

[jabhawk]

Thank you all, I have used this before but I was having a senior moment and totaly blanked on the command. They must have slipped me decaf today.
Jon B

Jonthan A Black