Opening other programs via Labview?

[blockheadjr]

I am looking for a way to open an executable file using Labview.  The executable is not a Labview file - I just want Labview to open it so that the user my manually interface with it.

If possible, I'd like to know if Labview can simulate keyboard inputs into the same program?  As an overall example:  Starting the VI will (among other things) open the separate exe file (which opens a display window), then at specific time intervals keys in commands into that exe window.

Is any of this possible without having to reinvent the wheel?

[Joe_H]

Yes you can open other program with labview. Have a look at the system exec.vi it will do what you want.

[JLS]

Hello,

Check out my post in the following thread: (3rd one down chronologically I think, but the order depends on your forum view)

http://forums.ni.com/ni/board/message?board.id=170&message.id=163151&requireLogin=False

For simulating keystrokes in the OS, you can record keystrokes using a macro (various programs allow this) and then probably run that macro from LabVIEW.  Although I haven't done this, if you google "keystroke macro" (without quotes) it should return a number of relevant products - at least it did for me :).

I hope this helps!

Best Regards,

JLS

[JLS]

Oh yeah, one more thing... if your exe can take some of the commands via the command line (instead of the keyboard), you may be able to get away with the system exec vi all by itself!  The post I referenced notes how to send a command line argument to notepad to open a text file.

Best Regards,

JLS

[Anonymous]

You can simulate keystrokes with our Keystroke macro program, Workspace
Macro Pro. You can get more information and free trial download from
http://www.tethyssolutions.com/macro-automation.htm

Tethys Solutions, Expert Services Group
http://www.tethyssolutions.com/ask-the-expert.htm
SMART Macro & Automation Solutions

blockheadjr wrote:
> I am looking for a way to open an executable file using Labview. 
> The executable is not a Labview file - I just want Labview to open it
> so that the user my manually interface with it.
>
> If possible, I'd like to know if Labview can simulate keyboard inputs
> into the same program?  As an overall example:  Starting the
> VI will (among other things) open the separate exe file (which opens a
> display window), then at specific time intervals keys in commands into
> that exe window.
>
> Is any of this possible without having to reinvent the wheel?