Implementing Windows API Shell Execute call

[bwoltz]

I am trying to implement the Windows API call in LabVIEW named ShellExecute.  I have created the attached VI and I do not understand why it will not run correctly.  I am hoping that a user on the forum will see the problem and be able to suggest what is wrong.  Thank you for any help!

[unclebump]

Runs on my winXP system that was upgraded from win98. Outputs a value of 2 into the case structure. I haven't messed with this type of stuff, so I'm not sure what you expect as a result.

[bwoltz]

It should execute and open a file you specify with the following information:

hWnd: 0
lpOperation: open
lpFile: "C:\temp\hello.doc"
lpParameters: 0
lpDirectory: 0
nShowCmd: SW_SHOWNORMAL

Of course you would specify your own file to open in this case.  When I run it on my system it doesn't open and run the file.  It should act like the Windows Run command in your start bar.

I hope this makes sense.

[bwoltz]

It should output a value greater than 32 if it runs successfully.  Anything lower than that value is an error.

[tst]

Remove the quotation marks from the list of strings for your commands and it will work.

You also don't need them for the path, but there they don't seem to make a difference.

Also, instead of using a multi-line string, you can use a property node to get the string values of the ring and index array to pick the right string.

[bwoltz]

Thanks so much!!!  I knew it should be simple.  I don't understand why all the examples I see are showing quotes around the commands and they work and why you don't need them for this case though.

Thanks again!

[Goude63]

Made slight changes:

  - Format into string converts an enum value to its associated string (cosmetic)

  - "0" is not the same as 0.  Use empty string to set a string param to Null under labview

  - Changed lpFile and lpDirectory to path controls and converting to string (more practical)

  - Added "def" lpOperation whitch must be passed as NULL (empty string) Of course I have set

    "def" as Default value.

From what I have seen, using "open" lpOperation is not always the default "def" for some file

associations but using "def" (NULL/empty string) will behave as double clicking the file in 

explorer.