Excel VBA Code required to access other applications

[xsdip]

Hi Everyone.

Could you please help me on this.

I am looking to create a VBA code, to open an application (Not Microsoft apps) and to access Tools-Play Macro-Select a textfile from the dialogue box opened.
This textfile has some macros which is compatable with the opened application. Once this textfile is selected by user, it will run a code automatically.

After the execution, I want to close the application also using the vba code.

In between, when we open the application, it would ask for working directory of the application, which will be selected by user itself.

could anyone please help me on creating the same?

 

[xsdip]

Is it a good option to try with Send keys? But sometimes it does not work.

Could anyone help me on this please..

 

[RoryA]

Unless the application is compatible with COM automation, SendKeys (or equivalent API calls) will probably be your only option in VBA. Power Automate might be a better bet unless it has to be VBA.

 

[xsdip]

Can anyone please show me an example to use send keys..

 

[Trevor G]

Here is an example using a function to add time delay and then using Shell to open the calculator and simulating pressing different keys with the time.

Function WaitTime(ByVal milliSeconds As Double)
Application.Wait (Now() + milliSeconds / 24 / 60 / 60 / 100)

End Function

Sub SendKeyExample()
'Using shell command to open the calculator
filepath = Shell("Calc.exe", vbNormalFocus)
'Using the function to wait
WaitTime (1000)
'Using various sendKeys to simulate touching 64 the plus sign and then 81 and finally the EnterKey
Call SendKeys("64", True)
Call SendKeys("{+}", True)
Call SendKeys("81", True)
Call SendKeys("{Enter}", True)

End Sub

On place to get a list of sendkeys can be found here: Application.SendKeys method (Excel)

 

[xsdip]

Thanks Trevor. That was very helpful..

I just have a doubt. When I open this application, I need to select working directory.
So would it be possible to select the working directory during the execution of the VBA macro?