VBSCRIPT that captures a screenshot and saves to a jpeg
Hi.
I need a vbscript that:
1) Minimizes a bat file named abc.bat (Or let me know what you need to identify this window?)
2) Captures a screenshot of the whole desktop.
3) Saves this screenshot to a jpeg file in C:\SCR\. as ABC.jpeg
4) Closes
5) Restores bat file abc.bat
Can I please ask to not use any third party software as it would just make the script deployment more complicated than necessary. All the computers where this script will be required to work on have Win XP with at least .Net framework V2. Take note that I have shockingly little knowledge about vbscripting. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I need a vbscript that:
1) Minimizes a bat file named abc.bat (Or let me know what you need to identify this window?)
2) Captures a screenshot of the whole desktop.
3) Saves this screenshot to a jpeg file in C:\SCR\. as ABC.jpeg
4) Closes
5) Restores bat file abc.bat
Can I please ask to not use any third party software as it would just make the script deployment more complicated than necessary. All the computers where this script will be required to work on have Win XP with at least .Net framework V2. Take note that I have shockingly little knowledge about vbscripting. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
ASKER
Thanbks CT but I have gone through that post but cannot get it to work. I have also downloaded that screencapture.vb.txt but it gives me an error:
Line: 9
Char:12
Error: Expected identifier
Code: 800A03F2
Source: Microsoft VBScript compilation error.
Line: 9
Char:12
Error: Expected identifier
Code: 800A03F2
Source: Microsoft VBScript compilation error.
You can easily accomplish your goal if you can first install this freeware utility on the PC.
http://www.mirekw.com/winfreeware/files/MWSnap300.zip
Once the default language has been selected, you can send it keyboard commands to take the screenshot.
http://www.mirekw.com/winfreeware/files/MWSnap300.zip
Once the default language has been selected, you can send it keyboard commands to take the screenshot.
ASKER
I am quite confident that this can be accomplished with a vbscript. Therefore I would like to proceed with only a .vbs. If it seems that this cannot be accomplished (I doubt it) with .vbs, surely I would be urged to look at some 3rd party software. Thanks for the advice anyway! I am confident that somebody on EE can help me. This would surely be a script that allot of people could use. Think of hundreds of operators that is required to log errors on software running on "secured and locked down" PC's for instance... This can just be linked to a menu item or button and instantly you have a screenshot saved to a path or mapping (on a central server) which goes a long way in identifying issues. (Especially in Africa...Which is where I am, mostly.) Therefore this is a very valuable script! I could throw in a little charity and post the photo as evidence on EE if somebody requests that in exchange for the working script? This is Expert exchange, isn't it? :-)
I think you are confusing the limited abilities of VBScript with the more powerful abilities of .Net Framework that would be accessible via VB.net.
Mwsnap can take command line input, hence it is scriptable. Since the windows OS does not natively have a command line capable of capturing a screen shot accomplishing this with VBScript is not something native to the language. You might want to learn more about the VBScript object model by cheating out what it contains on DevGuru.com.
Mwsnap can take command line input, hence it is scriptable. Since the windows OS does not natively have a command line capable of capturing a screen shot accomplishing this with VBScript is not something native to the language. You might want to learn more about the VBScript object model by cheating out what it contains on DevGuru.com.
ASKER
Thanks for the feedback Mark and mods.
Ok so considering the info I have decided that wmsnap must propably be used. It does complicate the deployment process a little bit but I can live with that. My main script is written as a dos .bat. Lets assume option s is "Capture screen shot". when I press s and enter:
1) Is there a command that can be run to minimize the .bat or .exe (compiled .bat) window first before I actually take the screenshot. If I dont minimize it, it might obscure information behind it. I am guessing that I might have to call a vbscript to do that but obviously my knowledge regarding vbs is lacking.
2) What would the parameters be to call wmsnap, take a screenshot, save the screenshot, close wmsnap and allow the main script to continue.
Ok so considering the info I have decided that wmsnap must propably be used. It does complicate the deployment process a little bit but I can live with that. My main script is written as a dos .bat. Lets assume option s is "Capture screen shot". when I press s and enter:
1) Is there a command that can be run to minimize the .bat or .exe (compiled .bat) window first before I actually take the screenshot. If I dont minimize it, it might obscure information behind it. I am guessing that I might have to call a vbscript to do that but obviously my knowledge regarding vbs is lacking.
2) What would the parameters be to call wmsnap, take a screenshot, save the screenshot, close wmsnap and allow the main script to continue.
ASKER
Ok Mark I get MWSNAP to capture a screenshot and save it as a tiff with your code.
1) Can I get it to always save as .jpg?
2) I would like mwsnap to close after it finished the capture.
3) I think there is steps where an email is sent, that code can be removed from the script. I just don't know what I can remove?
See the attached script...
Thanks for your help.
1) Can I get it to always save as .jpg?
2) I would like mwsnap to close after it finished the capture.
3) I think there is steps where an email is sent, that code can be removed from the script. I just don't know what I can remove?
See the attached script...
Thanks for your help.
'==========================================================================
'
' NAME: AutomateScreenCpature.vbs
'
' AUTHOR: Mark D. MacLachlan , The Spider's Parlor
' URL: http://www.thespidersparlor.com
' DATE : 02/13/2010
' COPYRIGHT © 2010, All Rights Reserved
'
' COMMENT: This script requires freeware MWSnap, download it from:
' http://www.mirekw.com/winfreeware/files/MWSnap300.zip
'
'
'
' THIS CODE AND INFORMATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF
' ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED To
' THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR A
' PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
'
' IN NO EVENT SHALL THE SPIDER'S PARLOR AND/OR ITS RESPECTIVE SUPPLIERS
' BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY
' DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS,
' WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS
' ACTION, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE
' OF THIS CODE OR INFORMATION.
'
'==========================================================================
'Specify the program we are going to monitor
ProgramWeCheck = "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe"
'Path to screen capture program
MWScreenCapture = "C:\SCR\MWSnap.exe"
'Where do you want to save captures to?
SavePath = "C:\SCR"
'Optional to edit the file naming convention below
'As scripted this will save a capture with time+date+capture
'Example: 0315-02132010-capture.jpg
MyDateTime = CStr(Right("0" & Hour(Time),2) & Right("0" & Minute(Time),2) & "-" _
& Right("0" & Month(Date),2) _
& Right("0" & Day(Date),2) & Year(Date))
'*************************************************
' Set the company specific email information
'*************************************************
' Destination Email Address, seperate multiple addresses by commas,
' enclose all within quotes
oTo = "Sharath@plc.com"
' Who should the sender be? Email Address
oFrom = "Sharath@plc.com"
' Set the SMTP server IP
oMyIP = "inex"
'***********************************
'Do not edit below this point
'***********************************
Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
'Setup directory to save captures in
Set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
If Not objFSO.FolderExists(SavePath) Then
objFSO.CreateFolder(SavePath)
End If
'First run our screen capture program
Set Capture = WshShell.Exec(MWScreenCapture)
'Now run our program to be captured
Set MyApp = WshShell.Exec(ProgramWeCheck)
WScript.Sleep 1000
'Make sure the focus is on the program
WshShell.AppActivate MyApp.ProcessID
WScript.Sleep 1000
'Take a screen shot
WshShell.SendKeys "+^D"
WScript.Sleep 1000
'Activate our screen capture program
WshShell.AppActivate Capture.ProcessID
WshShell.SendKeys "%FS"
WScript.Sleep 1000
WshShell.SendKeys SavePath & "\" & MyDateTime & "-Capture{tab}{down}{down}~~"
'WshShell.SendKeys "%FX"
'Send an email witht he screen capture
On Error Resume Next
Dim oFrom, oMyIP, oTo
Const ForReading = 1
' Set the visual basic constants as they do not exist within VBScript.
' Do not set your smtp server information here.
Const cdoSendUsingMethod = "http://schemas.microsoft.com/cdo/configuration/sendusing", _
cdoSendUsingPort = 2, _
cdoSMTPServer = "http://schemas.microsoft.com/cdo/configuration/smtpserver"
'Create the CDO connections.
Dim iMsg, iConf, Flds
Set iMsg = CreateObject("CDO.Message")
Set iConf = CreateObject("CDO.Configuration")
Set Flds = iConf.Fields
'SMTP server configuration.
With Flds
.Item(cdoSendUsingMethod) = cdoSendUsingPort
'// Set the SMTP server address here.
.Item(cdoSMTPServer) = oMyIP
.Update
End With
'Set the message properties.
With iMsg
Set .Configuration = iConf
.To = oTo
.From = oFrom
.Subject = "A Message For You"
.HTMLBody = "<html><body><h1>Application Screenshot</h1><a href=" & Chr(34) & "file:///server/share name/" & MyDateTime & "-Capture.jpg" & Chr(34) & "View Screenshot</a></body></html>"
End With
'An attachment can be included.
'iMsg.AddAttachment = SavePath & "\" & MyDateTime & "-Capture.jpg"
'Send the message.
iMsg.SendASKER
WRT the vbscript:
1) Can I get it to always save as .jpg? -- Done -- I set the program environment with a .reg file and removed "down down". This reg file also sets the language so can be seamlessly called from the main .bat script. (main .bat script compiled into abc.exe)
2) I would like mwsnap to close after it finished the capture.
3) I think there is steps where an email is sent, that code can be removed from the script. I just don't know what I can remove?
4) I would like to minimize abc.exe before the screenshot is taken if possible.
I attach the script and the .reg file. I am trying my best to help you help me.
1) Can I get it to always save as .jpg? -- Done -- I set the program environment with a .reg file and removed "down down". This reg file also sets the language so can be seamlessly called from the main .bat script. (main .bat script compiled into abc.exe)
2) I would like mwsnap to close after it finished the capture.
3) I think there is steps where an email is sent, that code can be removed from the script. I just don't know what I can remove?
4) I would like to minimize abc.exe before the screenshot is taken if possible.
I attach the script and the .reg file. I am trying my best to help you help me.
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap\AutoSave]
"AutoSaveFolder"="C:\\SCR\\"
"AutoSaveName"="MWSnap"
"AutoSaveNamePrompt"="0"
"AutoSaveAddSuffix"="1"
"AutoSaveNumFrom"="1"
"AutoSaveNumTo"="999"
"AutoSaveAddDate"="0"
"AutoSaveDateFormat"=" yyyy-mm-dd, hh_nn_ss"
"AutoSaveActive"="0"
"AutoSaveFormat"="bmp"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap\Colors]
"Background"="12566400"
"Ruler"="65535"
"BkgStyle"="5"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap\Dialogs]
"frmProxySettings"="402,304"
"frmSoftwareCheck"="312,145"
"frmAddFrame"="316,134"
"frmColorInfo"="274,146"
"frmPrint"="310,195"
"frmAbout"="201,109"
"frmRuler"="215,212,487,49"
"frmHotkeys"="431,220"
"frmSettings"="446,99"
"frmLanguage"="373,176,257,311"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap\Frames]
"FrameType"="1"
"Simple"="wdt=1, clo=0"
"Shaded"="wdt=7, clo1=65535, clo2=255"
"Button"="wdt=3, clo1=16777215, clo2=8421504"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap\Hotkeys]
"Fixd"="act=1,ctr=1,alt=0,shf=1,key=F"
"Area"="act=1,ctr=1,alt=0,shf=1,key=A"
"Wind"="act=1,ctr=1,alt=0,shf=1,key=W"
"Desk"="act=1,ctr=1,alt=0,shf=1,key=D"
"Last"="act=1,ctr=1,alt=0,shf=1,key=L"
"Rulr"="act=1,ctr=1,alt=1,shf=0,key=R"
"Zoom"="act=1,ctr=1,alt=1,shf=0,key=Z"
"Clop"="act=1,ctr=1,alt=1,shf=0,key=C"
"Info"="act=1,ctr=1,alt=1,shf=0,key=I"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap\Internet]
"AutoSaveActive"="0"
"InetProxyAddress"=""
"InetProxyPort"="0"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap\Layout]
"WindowState"="1"
"FormWidth"="600"
"FormHeight"="450"
"FormTop"="101"
"FormLeft"="63"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap\Options]
"Autostart"="0"
"MinimizeToTray"="1"
"AlwaysInTray"="1"
"StartMinimized"="0"
"MarkCrsPos"="1"
"ShowPreviewBox"="1"
"Language"="English.ini"
"AddCursorIdx"="-2"
"TrfType"="1"
"SnapCount"="17"
"MaxUndoCount"="8"
"CloseMinimizes"="0"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap\Printing]
"PrintPos "="11"
"PrintSizMode "="1"
"PrintSizScale "="1.5"
"PrintScaleSmooth "="0"
"PrintScaleMethod "="5"
"PrintOrtVert "="1"
"PrintHeader "="1"
"HeaderText "="%n, %d, (%x x %y)"
"HeaderOrientation"="0"
"PrintFooter "="0"
"FooterText "="%p"
"FooterOrientation"="0"
"AutoPrintActive"="0"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap\Rectangles]
"LastRect"="32x32"
"RectCnt"="5"
"Rect1"="16x16"
"Rect2"="32x32"
"Rect3"="48x48"
"Rect4"="64x64"
"Rect5"="96x72"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap\Saving]
"LastSavePath"="C:\\SCR\\Noname"
"LastFilterIndex"="2"
"LastJPEGQuality"="75"
"LastColorBits"="24"
"LastTransparent"="0"
"LastTranspPixel"="0"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap\Settings]
"DelayTime"="800"
"SnapHidePgm"="1"
"SnapRestPgm"="1"
"AutoCopy"="0"
"WarnKeys"="1"
"AskOverwrite"="1"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap\Sounds]
"SoundOn"="1"
"SND_OK"="act=1,builtin=1,path="
"SND_ERROR"="act=1,builtin=1,path="
"SND_SAVE"="act=1,builtin=1,path="
"SND_SNAP"="act=1,builtin=1,path="
"SND_CLIPCOPY"="act=1,builtin=1,path="
"SND_CLIPPASTE"="act=1,builtin=1,path="
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\MirWoj\MWSnap\UI]
"ViewPanelCapt"="1"
"ViewPanelPict"="1"
"ViewSttBar"="1"
"ViewToolbMain"="1"
"ViewToolbPict"="1"'==========================================================================
'
' NAME: AutomateScreenCpature.vbs
'
' AUTHOR: Mark D. MacLachlan , The Spider's Parlor
' URL: http://www.thespidersparlor.com
' DATE : 02/13/2010
' COPYRIGHT © 2010, All Rights Reserved
'
' COMMENT: This script requires freeware MWSnap, download it from:
' http://www.mirekw.com/winfreeware/files/MWSnap300.zip
'
'
'
' THIS CODE AND INFORMATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF
' ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED To
' THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR A
' PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
'
' IN NO EVENT SHALL THE SPIDER'S PARLOR AND/OR ITS RESPECTIVE SUPPLIERS
' BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY
' DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS,
' WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS
' ACTION, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE
' OF THIS CODE OR INFORMATION.
'
'==========================================================================
'Specify the program we are going to monitor
'ProgramWeCheck = "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe"
ProgramWeCheck = "C:\SCR\MWSnap.exe"
'Path to screen capture program
MWScreenCapture = "C:\SCR\MWSnap.exe"
'Where do you want to save captures to?
SavePath = "C:\SCR"
'Optional to edit the file naming convention below
'As scripted this will save a capture with time+date+capture
'Example: 0315-02132010-capture.jpg
MyDateTime = CStr(Right("0" & Hour(Time),2) & Right("0" & Minute(Time),2) & "-" _
& Right("0" & Month(Date),2) _
& Right("0" & Day(Date),2) & Year(Date))
'*************************************************
' Set the company specific email information
'*************************************************
' Destination Email Address, seperate multiple addresses by commas,
' enclose all within quotes
oTo = "Sharath@plc.com"
' Who should the sender be? Email Address
oFrom = "Sharath@plc.com"
' Set the SMTP server IP
oMyIP = "inex"
'***********************************
'Do not edit below this point
'***********************************
Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
'Setup directory to save captures in
Set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
If Not objFSO.FolderExists(SavePath) Then
objFSO.CreateFolder(SavePath)
End If
'First run our screen capture program
Set Capture = WshShell.Exec(MWScreenCapture)
'Now run our program to be captured
Set MyApp = WshShell.Exec(ProgramWeCheck)
WScript.Sleep 1000
'Make sure the focus is on the program
WshShell.AppActivate MyApp.ProcessID
WScript.Sleep 1000
'Take a screen shot
WshShell.SendKeys "+^D"
WScript.Sleep 1000
'Activate our screen capture program
WshShell.AppActivate Capture.ProcessID
WshShell.SendKeys "%FS"
WScript.Sleep 1000
WshShell.SendKeys SavePath & "\" & MyDateTime & "-Capture{tab}~~"
'WshShell.SendKeys "%FX"
'Send an email witht he screen capture
On Error Resume Next
Dim oFrom, oMyIP, oTo
Const ForReading = 1
' Set the visual basic constants as they do not exist within VBScript.
' Do not set your smtp server information here.
Const cdoSendUsingMethod = "http://schemas.microsoft.com/cdo/configuration/sendusing", _
cdoSendUsingPort = 2, _
cdoSMTPServer = "http://schemas.microsoft.com/cdo/configuration/smtpserver"
'Create the CDO connections.
Dim iMsg, iConf, Flds
Set iMsg = CreateObject("CDO.Message")
Set iConf = CreateObject("CDO.Configuration")
Set Flds = iConf.Fields
'SMTP server configuration.
With Flds
.Item(cdoSendUsingMethod) = cdoSendUsingPort
'// Set the SMTP server address here.
.Item(cdoSMTPServer) = oMyIP
.Update
End With
'Set the message properties.
With iMsg
Set .Configuration = iConf
.To = oTo
.From = oFrom
.Subject = "A Message For You"
.HTMLBody = "<html><body><h1>Application Screenshot</h1><a href=" & Chr(34) & "file:///server/share name/" & MyDateTime & "-Capture.jpg" & Chr(34) & "View Screenshot</a></body></html>"
End With
'An attachment can be included.
'iMsg.AddAttachment = SavePath & "\" & MyDateTime & "-Capture.jpg"
'Send the message.
iMsg.SendASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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By the way, I have no idea and no way to test if this will work in Windows 98, 2000, Vista, or 7, as I have no means to test it right now. I believe that they all use the same lines of text in the "Show Desktop" icon, but in Windows 7 I don't think this is on the "Quick Launch" toolbar.
I have hopefully mitigated any risks of messing with the pre-existing "Show Desktop.scf" file by creating it with the name "Desktop.scf" and also creating it in and calling it from the same folder as the batch file.
I should have mentioned that you can apply the date and time to the file name of the screenshot image using NirCmd. It uses variables like this:
$currdate.MM_dd_yyyy$
$currtime.HH_mm_ss$
that can be incorporated like this:
nircmd.exe cmdwait 2000 savescreenshot "f:\temp\Screenshot$currda
I am pretty sure that someone can probably use (and fix if necessary) these VBS methods:
(can't recall where I found that), or:
from: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg537747(v=vs.85).aspx
but I can't get either to work.
There are API's that utilise the Windows Clipboard, but I'm quite happy with the batch method and standalone 3rd-party utility program I tested.
Previously I used the free IrfanView image editor, called with the correct commands, eg:
i_view32.exe /capture=0 /convert=c:\test.jpg
Although IrfanView requires installation, it writes its settings to an INI file in its own folder and so could be referred to as "portable". It doesn't rely on registry settings to run unless you associate it with image file types or change certain user settings. That's my normal method for automating screenshots, but your need to capture the desktop would cause complications. I can provide details if you would like to experiment though. (http://www.irfanview.com).
I have hopefully mitigated any risks of messing with the pre-existing "Show Desktop.scf" file by creating it with the name "Desktop.scf" and also creating it in and calling it from the same folder as the batch file.
I should have mentioned that you can apply the date and time to the file name of the screenshot image using NirCmd. It uses variables like this:
$currdate.MM_dd_yyyy$
$currtime.HH_mm_ss$
that can be incorporated like this:
nircmd.exe cmdwait 2000 savescreenshot "f:\temp\Screenshot$currda
I am pretty sure that someone can probably use (and fix if necessary) these VBS methods:
'Shell Object
Dim clsidShell As New Guid("13709620-C279-11CE-A49E-444553540000")
Dim shell As Object = Activator.CreateInstance(Type.GetTypeFromCLSID(clsidShell))
shell.ToggleDesktop()(can't recall where I found that), or:
from: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg537747(v=vs.85).aspx
function fnIShellDispatch4ToggleDesktopVB()
dim objShell
set objShell = CreateObject("shell.Shell_Application")
objShell.ToggleDesktop
set objShell = nothing
end functionbut I can't get either to work.
There are API's that utilise the Windows Clipboard, but I'm quite happy with the batch method and standalone 3rd-party utility program I tested.
Previously I used the free IrfanView image editor, called with the correct commands, eg:
i_view32.exe /capture=0 /convert=c:\test.jpg
Although IrfanView requires installation, it writes its settings to an INI file in its own folder and so could be referred to as "portable". It doesn't rely on registry settings to run unless you associate it with image file types or change certain user settings. That's my normal method for automating screenshots, but your need to capture the desktop would cause complications. I can provide details if you would like to experiment though. (http://www.irfanview.com).
I just re-read your requirements in a follow on comment and it sounds like you have a "DOS Menu" in your batch file, where after the screenshot is taken the batch file should continue. I will test mine and see if I can get it to restore as a the window with focus, but I don't think it will work.
Yes it works for me if I just create a :LABEL up at the top of my batch file with a couple of echoed lines and a PAUSE, and then as my last line have a GOTO that clears the screen and jumps to the label.
eg.
:MENU
cls
echo.
echo Put whatever you want here
echo and here
echo.
PAUSE
REM The rest of the batch file here
REM Last line of batch file
goto :MENU
For me this brings the batch file back into focus again with Windows Explorer and the folder where I ran the batch file from behind it.
eg.
:MENU
cls
echo.
echo Put whatever you want here
echo and here
echo.
PAUSE
REM The rest of the batch file here
REM Last line of batch file
goto :MENU
For me this brings the batch file back into focus again with Windows Explorer and the folder where I ran the batch file from behind it.
ASKER
Goeiedag Bill!
I would like to take a screenshot of the whole desktop no matter what is displayed on it. Information like the exe version of the software would then be visible and any displayed error boxes etc. I need this for when somebody says "The software does not work". The screenshot therefore performs a vital role of displaying exactly where, in what module, version, screen the error is found. I just don't want my screencapture application taking up the real estate and obscuring information...
So I did the following. see attached.
Run it and you will get an excellent idea of how it works. It saves the .jpg file to C:\SCR.jpg. You should maybe create that folder?
Last question: I cannot seem to add a %date% and %time% to the filename. (I dont want it to overwrite SCR.jpg the whole time) My computer date is displayed as 2011/04/10. I am testing on a Win7 machine at the moment.
I have only the nircmd.exe on the desktop which would mean no registry settings on remote clients. That is GOOD news. Thanks! Therefore this solution is simpler than mwsnap.exe. Simpler is always better in Africa!!!
I would like to take a screenshot of the whole desktop no matter what is displayed on it. Information like the exe version of the software would then be visible and any displayed error boxes etc. I need this for when somebody says "The software does not work". The screenshot therefore performs a vital role of displaying exactly where, in what module, version, screen the error is found. I just don't want my screencapture application taking up the real estate and obscuring information...
So I did the following. see attached.
Run it and you will get an excellent idea of how it works. It saves the .jpg file to C:\SCR.jpg. You should maybe create that folder?
Last question: I cannot seem to add a %date% and %time% to the filename. (I dont want it to overwrite SCR.jpg the whole time) My computer date is displayed as 2011/04/10. I am testing on a Win7 machine at the moment.
I have only the nircmd.exe on the desktop which would mean no registry settings on remote clients. That is GOOD news. Thanks! Therefore this solution is simpler than mwsnap.exe. Simpler is always better in Africa!!!
::Assume nircmd.exe is in the same path as this abc.bat
::Set window size
mode con: cols=60 lines=10
::Sets the current directory, somehow?
set CurrDir=%~dp0
set CurrDir=%CurrDir:~0,-1%
@Echo off
Title USER ERROR LOGGING ASSISTANCE
:MENU
CLS
ECHO -----------------------------------------------------------
ECHO - MENU -
ECHO -----------------------------------------------------------
ECHO - -
::MENU ITEMS. This list will contain 10 additional commands.
Echo - Press s to take a screenshot -
Echo - Press x to exit -
ECHO - -
ECHO -----------------------------------------------------------
SET CHOICE=NULL
SET /P CHOICE=
IF %CHOICE% EQU s GOTO :s
IF %CHOICE% EQU x GOTO :x
IF %CHOICE% EQU NULL GOTO :MENU
GOTO :MENU
:s
CLS
::STEPS THAT MUST BE PERFORMED HERE:
::1) Minimize this dos bat window so that it does not obscure any other software or information. Something like this current command might actually also be fine as it would shrink the dos window. Actually doesn't work too bad!!!
mode con: cols=14 lines=1
::2) Capture screenshot with nircmd.exe. or possibly .vbs?
"%CurrDir%\nircmd.exe" savescreenshot ""C:\SCR\SCR.jpg""
::3) Restore window size
mode con: cols=60 lines=10
::3) Feedback
CLS
ECHO The screenshot have been captured, thank you.
PAUSE
::3)Return to menu
GOTO :MENU
:x
CLS
ECHO THANK YOU FOR USING THIS SOFTWARE
PAUSE
EXIT
Oh damn. I thought you were referring to the actual DESKTOP rather than capturing the SCREEN on view. That does complicate things, and I have always had problems using a VBS file CALLED from a batch file to minimise that batch file and then bring it back into focus when the VBS finishes.
Yours looks to be a pretty good (Lekker) workaround for the problem.
I need to go to bed and won't be able to fully address everything right now, but there are just 2 points to make now that might clear things up.
When you run a batch file, %0 is the variable that will contain the fully qualified and double-quoted path to the batch file itself.
%1 will be the first parameter passed to it, %2 the second, etc.
Variables can be modified in various ways as they are expanded. The modifier starts with a ~ and used simply, %~0 will remove the surrounding double-quotes from %0 as it is expanded. The same can be achived with %~f0
%~n0 expands to ONLY the Name (n) of %0
%~nx0 expands to ONlY the Name (n) AND Extension (x) of %0
%~dp0 expands to ONLY the Drive (d) AND Path (p) of %0 and leaves a trailing backslash.
Type FOR /? and page to the end of the help file to see the available variables.
Also type SET /? and page to about half way down to see another form of variable modifiers.
To set the Current Directory path it makes sense to set a usefully named variable "CurrDir" to the path of the batch file being run, but remove the file name and extension of the batch file.
set CurrDir=%~dp0
To remove the trailing backslash I use another type of modifier which instructs that the variable's value be expanded starting from the leftmost character (Zero), being the C in C:\ and backspacing in one character from the end (-1) to exclude it, ie. the trailing \
set CurrDir=%CurrDir:~0,-1%
I can now just use %CurrDir% anywhere in the batch file to expand to the full path to the folder containing the batch file I am running.
To explain why you are not being able to apply dates to your screenshot names, it is because I neglected an essential leading character (~) required in front of the $ symbol for the Date and Time variables used by NirCmd. Sorry.
Your variables are:
~$currdate.yyyy-MM-dd$
~$currtime.HH-mm-ss$
and you can juggle the yyyy, mm, dd, hh, mm, and ss around, or even leave off the ss.
Your command can be changed to this format:
"%CurrDir%\nircmd.exe" savescreenshot "C:\SCR\SCR_~$currdate.yyy
to yield the file name: "SCR_2011-04-10_11-43.jpg"
I'll take a closer look at your batch file later.
Yours looks to be a pretty good (Lekker) workaround for the problem.
I need to go to bed and won't be able to fully address everything right now, but there are just 2 points to make now that might clear things up.
When you run a batch file, %0 is the variable that will contain the fully qualified and double-quoted path to the batch file itself.
%1 will be the first parameter passed to it, %2 the second, etc.
Variables can be modified in various ways as they are expanded. The modifier starts with a ~ and used simply, %~0 will remove the surrounding double-quotes from %0 as it is expanded. The same can be achived with %~f0
%~n0 expands to ONLY the Name (n) of %0
%~nx0 expands to ONlY the Name (n) AND Extension (x) of %0
%~dp0 expands to ONLY the Drive (d) AND Path (p) of %0 and leaves a trailing backslash.
Type FOR /? and page to the end of the help file to see the available variables.
Also type SET /? and page to about half way down to see another form of variable modifiers.
To set the Current Directory path it makes sense to set a usefully named variable "CurrDir" to the path of the batch file being run, but remove the file name and extension of the batch file.
set CurrDir=%~dp0
To remove the trailing backslash I use another type of modifier which instructs that the variable's value be expanded starting from the leftmost character (Zero), being the C in C:\ and backspacing in one character from the end (-1) to exclude it, ie. the trailing \
set CurrDir=%CurrDir:~0,-1%
I can now just use %CurrDir% anywhere in the batch file to expand to the full path to the folder containing the batch file I am running.
To explain why you are not being able to apply dates to your screenshot names, it is because I neglected an essential leading character (~) required in front of the $ symbol for the Date and Time variables used by NirCmd. Sorry.
Your variables are:
~$currdate.yyyy-MM-dd$
~$currtime.HH-mm-ss$
and you can juggle the yyyy, mm, dd, hh, mm, and ss around, or even leave off the ss.
Your command can be changed to this format:
"%CurrDir%\nircmd.exe" savescreenshot "C:\SCR\SCR_~$currdate.yyy
to yield the file name: "SCR_2011-04-10_11-43.jpg"
I'll take a closer look at your batch file later.
ASKER
Ok, GOT IT TO WORK!
The script will now also rename the file after it has been saved, to YYYYMMDD-HHhMMmSS.jpg.
Therefore the script works as expected.
I compiled the script into an exe with "bat to exe Converter V1.5". I included the nircmd.exe into the compiled file. Therefore this is now a single exe which can quickly and easily be called to take a screenshot and save the image to a mapping or wherever. I will attach the code as someone else could surely use such a robust solution. Any further input would be appreciated but I feel that all of the guys that helped me here have already done enough! Thank you BillDL Especially! Baie Dankie!!!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
The script will now also rename the file after it has been saved, to YYYYMMDD-HHhMMmSS.jpg.
Therefore the script works as expected.
I compiled the script into an exe with "bat to exe Converter V1.5". I included the nircmd.exe into the compiled file. Therefore this is now a single exe which can quickly and easily be called to take a screenshot and save the image to a mapping or wherever. I will attach the code as someone else could surely use such a robust solution. Any further input would be appreciated but I feel that all of the guys that helped me here have already done enough! Thank you BillDL Especially! Baie Dankie!!!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
::Assume nircmd.exe is in the same path as this abc.bat
::Set window size
mode con: cols=60 lines=10
::Sets the current directory, somehow?
set CurrDir=%~dp0
set CurrDir=%CurrDir:~0,-1%
@Echo off
Title USER ERROR LOGGING ASSISTANCE
:MENU
CLS
ECHO -----------------------------------------------------------
ECHO - MENU -
ECHO -----------------------------------------------------------
ECHO - -
::MENU ITEMS. This list will contain 10 additional commands.
Echo - Press s to take a screenshot -
Echo - Press x to exit -
ECHO - -
ECHO -----------------------------------------------------------
SET CHOICE=NULL
SET /P CHOICE=
IF %CHOICE% EQU s GOTO :s
IF %CHOICE% EQU x GOTO :x
IF %CHOICE% EQU NULL GOTO :MENU
GOTO :MENU
:s
CLS
::STEPS THAT MUST BE PERFORMED HERE:
::1) Minimize this dos bat window so that it does not obscure any other software or information. Something like this current command might actually also be fine as it would shrink the dos window. Actually doesn't work too bad!!!
mode con: cols=14 lines=1
::2) Capture screenshot with nircmd.exe. or possibly .vbs?
"nircmd.exe" savescreenshot "C:\SCR.jpg"
::3) Restore window size
mode con: cols=60 lines=10
::4) Rename SCR.jpg
set TmpFile="%temp%.\tmp.vbs"
echo> %TmpFile% n=Now
echo>>%TmpFile% With WScript
echo>>%TmpFile% .Echo "set year=" + CStr(Year(n))
echo>>%TmpFile% .Echo "set yr=" + Right(Year(n),2)
echo>>%TmpFile% .Echo "set month="+ Right(100+Month(n),2)
echo>>%TmpFile% .Echo "set day=" + Right(100+Day(n),2)
echo>>%TmpFile% .Echo "set hour=" + Right(100+Hour(n),2)
echo>>%TmpFile% .Echo "set min=" + Right(100+Minute(n),2)
echo>>%TmpFile% .Echo "set sec=" + Right(100+Second(n),2)
echo>>%TmpFile% .Echo "set dow=" + WeekDayName(Weekday(n),1)
echo>>%TmpFile% .Echo "set dow2=" + WeekDayName(Weekday(n))
echo>>%TmpFile% .Echo "set iso=" + CStr(1 + Int(n-2) mod 7)
echo>>%TmpFile% .Echo "set iso2=" + CStr(Weekday(n,2))
echo>>%TmpFile% End With
cscript //nologo "%temp%.\tmp.vbs" > "%temp%.\tmp.bat"
call "%temp%.\tmp.bat"
del "%temp%.\tmp.bat"
del %TmpFile%
set TmpFile=
set stamp=%year%-%month%-%day%_%hour%.%min%.%sec%
SET NAME=%year%%month%%day%-%hour%h%min%m%sec%
RENAME C:\SCR.jpg %NAME%.jpg
::5) Feedback
::CLS
ECHO The screenshot have been captured, thank you.
PAUSE
::6)Return to menu
GOTO :MENU
:x
CLS
ECHO THANK YOU FOR USING THIS SOFTWARE
PAUSE
EXITASKER
This .bat (can be compiled to exe) code can be used to replicate out to a whole Enterprise. It could then serve as a simple procedure to get a user to instanly send you a screenshot to a mapping in the event of an error or something similar. It was developed on win7 but I am pretty sure that it will also work on WinXP (for which it was intended). Simplest solution to accomplish this task on the internet! I would have attached the exe but the code is safer i guess. Remember to download nircmd.exe
Baie Dankie Rebel.
Sorry for the delay in returning to this question. Been pretty busy. Your method looks like it's about as good as possible using a "DOS" batch script. Good workaround for "minimising" the window there. It avoids potential problems using VBS methods of trying to set focus on named windows, which cannot always be relied upon to work as intended.
If you use the NirCmd method of capturing the screenshot, you should be able to dispense with the VBS Date and Time method and just use the built-in NirCmd variables which SHOULD work.
Totsiens
Willem
Sorry for the delay in returning to this question. Been pretty busy. Your method looks like it's about as good as possible using a "DOS" batch script. Good workaround for "minimising" the window there. It avoids potential problems using VBS methods of trying to set focus on named windows, which cannot always be relied upon to work as intended.
If you use the NirCmd method of capturing the screenshot, you should be able to dispense with the VBS Date and Time method and just use the built-in NirCmd variables which SHOULD work.
Totsiens
Willem
ASKER