run exe on target computer, but path unknown

[Loes]

Hi everyone,


I would like to use AMS to create a tutorial for our drawing program, where the AutoPlay Media Studio menu points to various movies showing the drawing software in action, plus a printable step-by-step guide etc.

I would like to add a button where the user can launch the drawing software already installed on her computer, to do the exercise shown in my tutorial movie.
So I guess could create a button with a Quick Action "Run Program", but....

... what if the user didn't install the program in the default location (C:\Program Files\Pre-Design 3\Pre-Design_3.exe) but somewhere else on the computer?

What do I have to add (and where) to let my tutorial menu find the program on the target computer?

I have been thinking of a workaround: to let the menu open a document in *.pre-format: that way the associated program (Pre-Design) will be launched. But if there is a way to let the button launch the program directly, I'd prefer that.

Thanks in advance for any help !


Loes, newbie without any scripting skills, which meeans that I really, really need help

[Mina]

Can't you save the path somewhere in the Registry while installing (Pre-Design) so you could use Registry.GetValue to determine the program's *.exe

If not, a search for the *.exe file seems to be the best way to do it.

[Loes]

Most users of my new tutorial will already have Pre-Design installed on their system (some installed even months and years ago), so the registry won't help.

Search would then be the only option: where do I put that script?
Say I have a button to launch the Pre-Design drawing program (normally on C:\Program Files, but could be a different drive), I add a Quick Action to that button: Run Program. SO far so good, but then....

... In the properties window for the Quick Action I see two places where a path to the program can be entered: what do I put in those fields? Leave the Working folder empty I guess?
Or do I attach another action to the same button? If so which?

This is all pretty scary to me. On the AMQ website I read that we can use AutoPlay Media Study without any scripting knowledge, but when I look here in the forum it's all about scirpting and you guys just making up cool stuff by typing lines of code.... hmmm, there's a long way to go for me.

If anyone could help me in getting that "search" idea into the right fields, I'd be grateful forever

Loes

[Mina]

Forget 'QuickAction' for now.
Try this, in 'Scripts'

drvz = Drive.Enumerate();
for i, drv in drvz do
fD = File.Find(drv.."\\Program Files\\Pre-Design 3\\", "Pre-Design_3.exe", false, true, nil, nil);
if fD ~= nil then
found = true
path = fD[1]
end
end

if found then
File.Open(found, "", SW_SHOWNORMAL);
else
Dialog.Message("Notice", "Not Found", MB_OK, MB_ICONINFORMATION, MB_DEFBUTTON1);
end

[Loes]

Wow, Thanks a bunch for the quick reply!!

Happy 2008

Loes

[mjmfgm]

Having the same problem as this user

I have the same problem with demo files, I tried the script and it does not work for me ?
Here is the code I changed:
drvz = Drive.Enumerate();
for i, drv in drvz do
fD = File.Find(drv.."\\Program Files\\Colorado Outdoors\\3Dem\\", "3dem.exe", false, true, nil, nil);
if fD ~= nil then
found = true
path = fD[1]
end
end

if found then
File.Open(found,"", SW_SHOWNORMAL);
else
Dialog.Message("Notice", "Not Found", MB_OK, MB_ICONINFORMATION, MB_DEFBUTTON1);
end
.................................................. ....................
The error message is:
Line 11, Argument 1 must be of type string
.................................................. ....................
Thanks for your help in advance

[Mina]

Oh Im sorry, Line11 should be

File.Open([B][COLOR="SeaGreen"]path[/COLOR][/B],"", SW_SHOWNORMAL);

Lil' Typo

[mjmfgm]

Thanks

Thanks I will give this a try, happy hollidays.

[mjmfgm]

It works Thanks a Lot

It works Thanks a Lot for all your help and fast reply:yes

[Mina]

You're welcome, both