Run batch files using Excel VBA

[Martin1979]

Hi all,

I was wondering if it is possible to run batch files using Excel VBA. I need to run multiple files using software from outside Excel.
However, to be efficient over the weekend, I would like to use Excel to open each file, run the file and after finishing, close it off and run the next file.
The idea is that the software (an executable) together with the files which need to run over the weekend, are in the same folder.
Does anyone know if this is possible? Hurdles are probably knowing when each file is finished and to close and open each file "*.otx" in the executable.
The executable has an GUI, which basically comes down to a button stating 'run'. However, to get there, the user needs to hit F9.

Any help is appreciated.

Regards,
Martijn

 

[John_w]

Re: Help: Run batch files using Excel VBA

I was wondering if it is possible to run batch files using Excel VBA. I need to run multiple files using software from outside Excel.
However, to be efficient over the weekend, I would like to use Excel to open each file, run the file and after finishing, close it off and run the next file.

You could use Windows Script Host, like this:

    Dim batchFile As String
    Dim wsh As Object
    Set wsh = CreateObject("Wscript.Shell")
    batchFile = "C:\folder\path\commands.bat"
    wsh.Run """" & batchFile & """", 1, True '1 = show window; True = Wait for .bat to finish
    batchFile = "C:\folder\path\another.bat"
    wsh.Run """" & batchFile & """", 1, True

 

[Martin1979]

Re: Help: Run batch files using Excel VBA

You could use Windows Script Host, like this:

    Dim batchFile As String
    Dim wsh As Object
    Set wsh = CreateObject("Wscript.Shell")
    batchFile = "C:\folder\path\commands.bat"
    wsh.Run """" & batchFile & """", 1, True '1 = show window; True = Wait for .bat to finish
    batchFile = "C:\folder\path\another.bat"
    wsh.Run """" & batchFile & """", 1, True

Thanks John_w,

But, how does it activates the 'run' button within the software?
Example: Software = Example.exe, F9 starts analysis within the software
Batch file 1: Test 1.otx
Batch file 2: Test 2.otx

Regards,
Martijn

 

[John_w]

Re: Help: Run batch files using Excel VBA

To press a key (e.g. F9) you could try VBA SendKeys (in the VBA macro) or http://cpap.com.br/orlando/SendKeysMore.asp (in the VBA macro or the batch file). By 'batch file' I thought you meant a DOS batch file.

 

[Martin1979]

Re: Help: Run batch files using Excel VBA

To press a key (e.g. F9) you could try VBA SendKeys (in the VBA macro) or http://cpap.com.br/orlando/SendKeysMore.asp (in the VBA macro or the batch file). By 'batch file' I thought you meant a DOS batch file.

No, with batch files I mean multiple files in series. We call it batch files . I will give it a try but if other people have good ideas about how to tackle this, I would like to know.