VB.net 2005 - Set Focus on Control (External Program)!

Hello Experts!

OK so I'm trying to write a program that will simulate an operator's key strokes because we have a program that we would like to run overnight, but we don't have an operator available to start the program at midnight.  So I've been able to execute the program and set focus on it...but I need to set focus on a specific control within the program...how can I do this?

I need the focus to be on the checkbox of the external program so I can uncheck the box then click OK.
I can't seem to get the focus on the checkbox...how can I get the checkbox name and set focus on it then use sendkeys to uncheck the box?

Thanks,
Mark
smithmrkAsked:
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Ammar GaffarSoftware EngineerCommented:
You can simulate user behavior by activating the external application and send the keys pragmatically.
Check this post it might help you:
http://www.codeproject.com/Tips/232649/Setting-Focus-on-an-External-application

In this link you can find the keys code:
http://www.developerfusion.com/article/57/sendkeys-command/

Good Luck
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Mike TomlinsonMiddle School Assistant TeacherCommented:
It's certainly possibly with VB.Net, but I'd recommend simply using something that can do this out of the box like AutoIT:
https://www.autoitscript.com/site/autoit/
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smithmrkAuthor Commented:
Thanks to both of you...however I have the ability to set focus on the external program, and I've been sending keys just fine...but I want to grab window information from labels and checkboxes.

I want to be able to read the text of a checkbox or label.

For example if the checkbox says "Delete Batches" I want to grab the words "Delete Batches" from that checkbox label.

Thanks,
Mark
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Ammar GaffarSoftware EngineerCommented:
I am really confused about your requirements,   if you have an operator,  he needs to make a decision based on something or just do some clicks so you program will start execute?
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smithmrkAuthor Commented:
OK, so once I get to the point of clicking the Button on the external program it brings up a popup box that is asking the operator if it is OK to delete the batches from a certain date I want to be able to pull that date off the popup box and verify it is correct before I sendkeys (Enter).

Thanks,
Mark
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Mike TomlinsonMiddle School Assistant TeacherCommented:
In that case I recommend using an approach like the one in this PAQ:
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Programming/Languages/.NET/Visual_Basic.NET/Q_26376975.html#33353089
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smithmrkAuthor Commented:
OK, Thanks!
I'll take a look and play with the code after the holidays.

Hope ALL of you have a great Holiday to you and your families.

Mark
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smithmrkAuthor Commented:
OK, I have a NEW Problem now!
When the workstation is NOT logged in the schedule job to run the program doesn't work because it won't do the SendKeys commands.

How can I get around logging into the computer to do the SendKey commands?

By the way the logon needs CNTL/ALT/DELETE and is Novel Logon.

Thanks,
Mark
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smithmrkAuthor Commented:
I had to abandon this program as I couldn't get around the Novel Login Screen.

Thanks for your help!

Mark
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