Active desktop help

[Dubbin1]

I just built a new computer and I am tring to get my active desktop to work on it. I created one on my old computer and had no problems. On this computer I cant get any programs to launch. I can get files and such to open like explorer, my computer,control panel and my D drive. Im sure I have the .vbs files done right and I have created new shortcuts in the windows folder by using the file new shortcut. I have also tried putting the path to the program in the .vbs with no luck. I am using ntfs files system and am doing everything the same way as I did on my old computer.

Here is what the vbs looks like

Dim oShell
Set oShell = WScript.CreateObject ("WScript.shell")
oShell.run "C:\Program Files\Winamp\winamp.exe"
Set oShell = Nothing

or

Dim oShell
Set oShell = WScript.CreateObject ("WScript.shell")
oShell.run "winamp"
Set oShell = Nothing

When I try the first one I get this

When I try the second one nothing happens at all.

 

[Lighter]

Check http://www.ntfs.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24323&highlight=active+desktop+tutorial for an extremely lengthy support thread.

For quick testing, try running a different program in your vbscript, like MS Word, Notepad or something. I use a different program launch method (non-vbs) so I'm rusty in terms of verifying your code.

 

[Dubbin1]

I have already been thru that entire thread and I have also tried to get all kinds of programs to run.

 

[madmax1345]

This may be a dumb question but is your shortcut named the same as what is in your .vbs file.

Example:
.vbs file:

Dim oShell
Set oShell = WScript.CreateObject ("WScript.shell")
oShell.run "winamp"
Set oShell = Nothing


So your short cut should be named "winamp" without quotes.

 

[Lighter]

HTML header script:

<script>
function exec (command) {
if (document.layers && navigator.javaEnabled()) {
window._command = command;
window.oldOnError = window.onerror;
window.onerror = function (err) {
if (err.indexOf ("User didn't grant") != -1) {
alert('command execution of ' + window._command +
' disallowed by user.');
return true;
}
else return false;
}
netscape.security.PrivilegeManager.enablePrivilege
('UniversalExecAccess');
java.lang.Runtime.getRuntime().exec(command);
window.onerror = window.oldOnError;
}
else if (document.all) {
window.oldOnError = window.onerror;
window._command = command;
window.onerror = function (err) {
if (err.indexOf('utomation') != -1) {
alert('command execution of ' + window._command +
' disallowed by user.');
return true;
}
else return false;
};
var wsh = new ActiveXObject('WScript.Shell');
if (wsh)
wsh.Run(command);
window.onerror = window.oldOnError;
}
}
</script>


vbscript

Dim oShell
Set oShell = WScript.CreateObject ("WScript.shell")
oShell.run "winamp"
Set oShell = Nothing


Right?

Are you're editing your VBscript in notepad or similar program? I ask because a lot of programs insert hidden characters like carriage returns.

Try running the script I've attached (shortcut and vbscript included). If it works, it will launch Windows Media Player. If it doesn't, there's some other issue which may be the problem.

 

[Dubbin1]

My script was the same as yours but I tried it anyway. Still no luck. Like I said I have done an active desktop before so I do know how to do it but I just cant figure out why this isnt working on this computer. I have even tried your script and mine with my old computer sitting here and it works just fine. :huh:

 

[Dubbin1]

I think I am starting to find what the probelm is. I believe it is the space in "program files" that is giving me the problem. I started to notice that programs that are not in a file with a space will work. Now how can I fix this space problem.

 

[j79zlr]

I'm not 100% on this, but you could try the old DOS naming scheme,

Dim oShell
Set oShell = WScript.CreateObject ("WScript.shell")
oShell.run "C:\Progra~1\Winamp\winamp.exe"
Set oShell = Nothing

 

[Dubbin1]

Thats it j79zlr
Now if I just new the old DOS naming scheme I would be set

Lets say I want to do wmp the path is
c:\program files\windows media player\wmplayer.exe
How would that look in the DOS scheme?


EDIT: I think I got it "C:\PROGRA~1\WINDOW~3\WMPLAYER.EXE"

 

[mupp]

Yep, I also have to use the DOS naming method for ALL of my shortcuts...I woulda told you how but it looks like I've been beaten to it
Happy Active-Desktopping

 

[Dubbin1]

I just dont understand why I have to use short file names only on folders with a space.

 

[mupp]

Did you try using "%20" in there instead of a space?

 

[Dubbin1]

I guess I got lucky on the one short file line and was having troubles with the rest so a buddy of mine made me a small program that converts the long file name to the short Everything works great now. Im gonna try the %20 to see if that works too.

Edit: Nope the %20 dont work

 

[Angel333]

Why do you use the 'old' Method?
Look at my HP (see Sig)
This method never made problems...

 

[Blitzkrieg]

It's true, listen to Angel on this one, his method really is better.

 

[Dubbin1]

Originally posted by Angel333
Why do you use the 'old' Method?
Look at my HP (see Sig)
This method never made problems...

I did and that didnt work. I have it all working now by using short file names