question on creating a batch file

[floridian2005]

Hi,

I would like to start a different application (say B.exe) automatically when I start one application (say A.exe) ? If I had to write a batch file for doing this, how would I do it? Appreciate your help very much. Thanks in advance.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

So do you mean something like this: When you open Microsoft Word, it opens Microsoft Excel as well as Word. (examples)

[floridian2005]

yes, exactly

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

I don't think thats possible with a batch file...or any program/programming languages I know of. You can start 2 programs with a batch file but it can't do what you're trying to do.

[contrex]

floridian, if you write a batch file like this

Code: [Select]

start "" "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE"
start "" "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\WINWORD.EXE"

You need to check the exact program paths, they may be different.

So you see the syntax of the start command would be

start "" "path to\program file1.exe"
start "" "path to\program file2.exe"

etc




When you run it, both programs will start

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Yes, and you can convert this to an EXE with the icon of the origional application so whenever you click this exe, it launches two programs.

[ghostdog74]

I don't think thats possible with a batch file...or any program/programming languages I know of. You can start 2 programs with a batch file but it can't do what you're trying to do.

yes, you can't do that in DOS but if OP is really opening Excel to open Word to do something, it can be done using macros.

Code: [Select]

Sub TestCallFromExcel()
    Dim wdApp As Word.Application
    Set wdApp = New Word.Application
    With wdApp
        'Open Word document
        .Documents.Open Filename:="C:\temp\test.doc"
        .Visible = True
        With .Selection
            .TypeText ("testing 1234")
        End With
        .ActiveDocument.Save
        'Exit Word
        .Quit
    End With
        'Release object variable
    Set wdApp = Nothing
End Sub

and then you can call "start myexcel.xls" to start both excel and word.

[contrex]

Yes, and you can convert this to an EXE with the icon of the origional application so whenever you click this exe, it launches two programs.

How are you converting batches to exes, dudeoxide?

[contrex]

ghostdog, Word and Excel were just 2 examples of programs suggested by dudeoxide. The OP asked a general question.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Yes, and you can convert this to an EXE with the icon of the origional application so whenever you click this exe, it launches two programs.

How are you converting batches to exes, dudeoxide?

I have a program Admin posted a few months ago. Very nice little program. You can add version info and a custom icon and stuff.

If you or the OP or anyone wants it, i'll post it here.

[ghostdog74]

ghostdog, Word and Excel were just 2 examples of programs suggested by dudeoxide. The OP asked a general question.

yes i know, thanks. I quote myself

....but if OP is really opening Excel to open Word to do something....

[floridian2005]

Thank you all very much for the responses. No, it isn't Word and Excel that I need to open.

But there is an application, which when I run, needs to have this other container app started and running already. A friend had mentioned long ago that he had created something (i remember him saying a "batch" file) so, as soon as he tried running the app, it first started off the container app..so no complaints and no need to remember to start it each time.

So I was wondering how he might have accomplished that....thanks again!

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Maybe it's what Contrex posted. Perhaps your fiend clicked the batch file and the two programs started simultaneously

[only_lonely]

[/quote]
I have a program Admin posted a few months ago. Very nice little program. You can add version info and a custom icon and stuff.

If you or the OP or anyone wants it, i'll post it here.
[/quote]
so where to get the program to convert it?

[Dark Blade]

Is it bat2exe, by any chance?