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Create a .cmd or .exe file
Hello,
This is a follow-up to another thread located here:
Create an executable file to open a non-executable file
In that thread, expert Joe Winograd provided a solution which involves creating an AutoHotkey (ahk) "Run" command (which I know how to do) then compiling the resulting .ahk file to create an .exe file. That was a great solution and I'm glad to now know how to do that. However, since closing the previous thread, I've realized that that solution is not practical for the specific purpose* that prompted my question.
As a result, I'm back to my original question which is:
How do you directly create an executable file (.exe or .cmd) to open a non-executable file (.xlsm, .txt, .ahk, etc)?
In the previous thread, expert tuvi suggested putting the following in a .cmd file:
It seems like something I should know how to do but that's why I'm happy all of you great experts are available to answer questions. :)
Thanks
*The main reason I'm looking for a different solution is that the 2-3 scripts (.ahk files) involved are frequently updated and having changes made. Consequently, the process of creating then running a new matching .exe file each time an .ahk file is changed, takes more time than simply manually opening the .ahk file in the first place — which is what I'm attempting to avoid if possible.
This is a follow-up to another thread located here:
Create an executable file to open a non-executable file
In that thread, expert Joe Winograd provided a solution which involves creating an AutoHotkey (ahk) "Run" command (which I know how to do) then compiling the resulting .ahk file to create an .exe file. That was a great solution and I'm glad to now know how to do that. However, since closing the previous thread, I've realized that that solution is not practical for the specific purpose* that prompted my question.
As a result, I'm back to my original question which is:
How do you directly create an executable file (.exe or .cmd) to open a non-executable file (.xlsm, .txt, .ahk, etc)?
In the previous thread, expert tuvi suggested putting the following in a .cmd file:
start C:\Users\UserName\FolderName\FileName.xlsm
It seems like something I should know how to do but that's why I'm happy all of you great experts are available to answer questions. :)
Thanks
*The main reason I'm looking for a different solution is that the 2-3 scripts (.ahk files) involved are frequently updated and having changes made. Consequently, the process of creating then running a new matching .exe file each time an .ahk file is changed, takes more time than simply manually opening the .ahk file in the first place — which is what I'm attempting to avoid if possible.
A ____________________ [A LOT OF SPACE] ____________________ LOT
"ALOT" is not a word — it never has been a word and it never will be a word.
"A LOT" is two words. Remember it as though there's [A LOT OF SPACE] between them.
ProgrammingMicrosoft DevelopmentMicrosoft DOSWindows OSVisual Basic Classic
Last Comment
Thomas U
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It is not case sensitive. Hyphens are fine in folder/file names. If there are spaces anywhere in the fully qualified file name, see my previous comment. Please post the batch file that you are using.
If it does not work, it can only be an issue with the path or file itself. Did you enter the full path and file name, including extension? Does the file open correctly if you double-click on it in Explorer?
I have to admit, that I don't understand the basic problem. Cause when you can enter an executable, you can simply also enter any file name, which has a registered shell extension...
Do you still need help with this?
What kind of changes? Maybe passing those changes as arguments to the exe is a solution?
The main reason I'm looking for a different solution is that the 2-3 scripts (.ahk files) involved are frequently updated and having changes made.
What kind of changes? Maybe passing those changes as arguments to the exe is a solution?
Hi WeThotUWasAToad
late...but maybe...
by opening a commandline or you could and enter the tex above, you actually create an executeable file named "executethis.cmd" in c:\temp (if you have that folder under c:\) that opens the doc or xlsm.
I mean your question is strange, because you could even just enter the file with the whole path in the commandline and it would open.
why do you need an executable that opens a file which windows recoginses anyway as known filetype and executes it with the proper program?
the heck..I have no clue why you wanna do this. there is no explanational reason, please enlighten us for what purpose you need that exactly and we will help.
if you need vb code, there it will be ShellExecute to open it, but you still only need the file, no executable before it...
speechless
Thomas
late...but maybe...
echo start C:\Users\UserName\FolderName\FileName.xlsm > c:\temp\executethis.cmd
echo start c:\somefolder\somefile.doc > c:\temp\executethis.cmd
by opening a commandline or you could and enter the tex above, you actually create an executeable file named "executethis.cmd" in c:\temp (if you have that folder under c:\) that opens the doc or xlsm.
I mean your question is strange, because you could even just enter the file with the whole path in the commandline and it would open.
why do you need an executable that opens a file which windows recoginses anyway as known filetype and executes it with the proper program?
the heck..I have no clue why you wanna do this. there is no explanational reason, please enlighten us for what purpose you need that exactly and we will help.
if you need vb code, there it will be ShellExecute to open it, but you still only need the file, no executable before it...
speechless
Thomas
It's worked once or twice with test folders/files but then still doesn't work with existing files.
Is any part of it case-sensitive or are spaces and/or hyphens prohibited in folder names and/or filenames?