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Is it possible to force a Works database file to scroll to the top row when it is opened?
On a Windows 7 platform, I frequently use a Microsoft Works 2000 database file, and there is a minor annoyance with it. It always opens at the lowest row, requiring scrolling to the top. If there is a simple way to make it open at the top, I'd like to try that. I know that this is an obsolete file type, but I'm accustomed to it and comfortable with it, and I'd like to continue using it. The database file can't be attached to this question, but it can be downloaded at www.mauitradewinds.com/test.wdb
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Since there's no scriptability in Works, you'd need to go 3rd party. AutoIT should work. You can make a .bat file that...
1. Opens your Works database.
2. Starts the AutoIT script, which does the scroll up.
1. Opens your Works database.
2. Starts the AutoIT script, which does the scroll up.
Thank you. May I ask for some specific guidance to implement your instructions? There are numerous AutoIT downloads -- which one is required? Can you provide the code for the scroll up script, or will that be accomplished intuitively with the 3rd party application? Can you provide code for the .bat file? I apologize for my lack of expertise in this area.
AutoIt Full Installation https://www.autoitscript.com/site/autoit/downloads/
Make a .au3 file of this code:
Adjust these:
- "Database main window title", "sub window title"
- CTRL-HOME is the keyboard sequence to scroll to the top.
See AutoIT help on SEND and WinWaitActive functions.
Assuming Works can open the database file (.wdb) from the command line, your .bat would look like:
Make a .au3 file of this code:
Adjust these:
- "Database main window title", "sub window title"
- CTRL-HOME is the keyboard sequence to scroll to the top.
See AutoIT help on SEND and WinWaitActive functions.
WinWaitActive("Database main window title", "sub window title")
Send("^{HOME}")
Assuming Works can open the database file (.wdb) from the command line, your .bat would look like:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Works\WksDb" "c:\folder\filename.wdb"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\AutoIt3\AutoIt3.exe" "c:\folder\scroll.au3"
Thank you for your specifications. I downloaded the full installation. If I understand correctly, I need to make a au3 file (scroll.au3) from the first two lines of code which you kindly provided. The .bat file will then launch the database and activate the scroll.au3 file.
I am still unclear how to adjust the "Database main window title" and "sub window title". Can you clarify that please? I used the Finder Tool and was able to identify the main window title. I don't see information about a sub window title in the AutoIT Window Information Tool. The .bat file opens the Works database OK, but it does not scroll to the top.
I am still unclear how to adjust the "Database main window title" and "sub window title". Can you clarify that please? I used the Finder Tool and was able to identify the main window title. I don't see information about a sub window title in the AutoIT Window Information Tool. The .bat file opens the Works database OK, but it does not scroll to the top.
Another observation: the "Home" key on the keyboard does not necessarily cause the database to scroll to the top. Instead, it scrolls to the last cell which was highlighted when the file was closed.
Compare the attached image for my case:
I don't have Works so can't be certain.
If there is no subwindow, then use blank double-quotes. For my case, it would be:
> the "Home" key on the keyboard does not necessarily cause the database to scroll to the top
Assuming there is a way to use the keyboard to scroll to the top, you'll have to figure that out. Check the Works help.
Sometimes, programs use the Ctrl-HOME or Ctrl-PgUp key combination, or something like that. IDK what's the key combo for Works, if any.
If there is no key scroll combo, you could resort to using a series of PgUp keys. Of course, if that's a big database, it could be a lot of PgUps!
WinWaitActive("Microsoft Excel", "09162015.xls")
I don't have Works so can't be certain.
If there is no subwindow, then use blank double-quotes. For my case, it would be:
WinWaitActive("Microsoft Excel", "")
> the "Home" key on the keyboard does not necessarily cause the database to scroll to the top
Assuming there is a way to use the keyboard to scroll to the top, you'll have to figure that out. Check the Works help.
Sometimes, programs use the Ctrl-HOME or Ctrl-PgUp key combination, or something like that. IDK what's the key combo for Works, if any.
If there is no key scroll combo, you could resort to using a series of PgUp keys. Of course, if that's a big database, it could be a lot of PgUps!
Thank you for the example. I attached a screenshot of the comparable AutoIT Window Information for my application. The code I'm using in scroll.au3 is:
If this looks OK to you, please provide the code for sending two PgUP key strokes, which is sufficient to scroll to the top.
WinWaitActive("Guest Pocket Cal. 2015-16 - Microsoft Works Database", "")
Send("^{HOME}")
If this looks OK to you, please provide the code for sending two PgUP key strokes, which is sufficient to scroll to the top.
Try it.
> I'll try to find a keyboard solution to make it scroll to the top.
Not sure if you already confirmed that the macro does work. If not, keep it simple for now.
Example: After you normally start Works (w/o the script) and open the database, notice where the cursor is. Is it it a certain cell?
Then, in the au3 script make a simple keyboard move, e.g. 1 cell left or right. This, just to confirm basic functionality.
Close Works.
Then, start it with the .bat/script.
If the simple keyboard command works, get fancier. Spend some time finding out if Works does have a keyboard combo to take it to the top in one crack. If so, that could save you programming time.
I think you get the idea.
> I'll try to find a keyboard solution to make it scroll to the top.
Not sure if you already confirmed that the macro does work. If not, keep it simple for now.
Example: After you normally start Works (w/o the script) and open the database, notice where the cursor is. Is it it a certain cell?
Then, in the au3 script make a simple keyboard move, e.g. 1 cell left or right. This, just to confirm basic functionality.
Close Works.
Then, start it with the .bat/script.
If the simple keyboard command works, get fancier. Spend some time finding out if Works does have a keyboard combo to take it to the top in one crack. If so, that could save you programming time.
I think you get the idea.
I guess the macro doesn't work. The file opens, but the SEND command doesn't seem to have an effect.
WinWaitActive("Guest Pocket Cal. 2015-16 - Microsoft Works Database", "")
Send ("{PGUP}")
Try putting a SLEEP command before sending the keypress...
WinWaitActive("Guest Pocket Cal. 2015-16 - Microsoft Works Database", "")
; Wait for 2 seconds
Sleep(2000)
Send ("{PGUP}")
Also, in your .bat, reverse the commands. Start autoit first, Works second:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\AutoIt3\AutoIt3.exe" "c:\folder\scroll.au3"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Works\WksDb" "c:\folder\filename.wdb"
Also, before starting the .bat, close any prior running AutoIT macros in your taskbar, if any. Right-click the grey AutoIT icon and pick Exit.
"C:\Program Files\AutoIt3\autoIT3.exe" "C:\Program Files\AutoIt3\Scripts\scroll.au3"
"C:\Program Files\Works 2000\WksDb.exe" "V:\My Documents\Tradewinds\Guest Pocket Cal. 2015-16.wdb"
Sorry. Try this:
start "C:\Program Files\AutoIt3\autoIT3.exe" "C:\Program Files\AutoIt3\Scripts\scroll.au3"
start "C:\Program Files\Works 2000\WksDb.exe" "V:\My Documents\Tradewinds\Guest Pocket Cal. 2015-16.wdb"
Both lines of code now appear in the command window, which then closes. The AutoIT3 window then opens. Then the database opens, but does not scroll.
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