Windows getting windows to automate actions...

hey guys,

is there a way of getting windows xp to automate actions, and maybe at certain times? Like you can with Apple script?

cheers guys

 

You can write batch scripts and have them called at regular intervals. But from my experience, batch scripts are very limited in functionality.

 

hmm...i was hoping there might be something that would just copy my mouse and keyboard inputs....i've never done scripting and wouldn't know where to start!

 

control panel > scheduled tasks
it can run programmes, so may not be the 'actions' you're looking for.

 

no, schedule tasks is far too basic, all it does is run a programme. my priority action is this:

pc turns on at a certain time (optional)
pc runs outlook express
exports all e-mails
pc turns off at a certain time. (optional)

 

There's no way to turn a PC on from Windows.
It is possible to run OE.
It is (propably) possible to export the email.
It is possible to shut down again.

So, basically, everything will work as long as you leave your PC on.

Take a look at AutoIt. It might be the answer for you.

 

i've figured out how to back up the emails, i'm gonna use everyday auto back up, free app i found on the net. looks like it'll do the job. just gonna back up the dbx files simple as.

is there a way to auto turn off the pc automatically, that autoIT looks good, but like i said, i can't script!

 

AutoIT looks like a very handy tool. Do not need one at the moment but will download and have a play

 

You could check the BIOS and look for the wakeup timer. My old mobo had one and i used my pc as an alarm clock with winamp playing full force at startup

 

AutoIt is a really easy script language eg. this will launch Outlook Express:

Code:

Run("msimn.exe")

And then you just navigate to the export mail function using the Send command (it'll send keystrokes).


And you can shutdown Windows at any time by using the shutdown.exe tool included in Windows. The run box is very useful, you can execute single commands from it. You can get to it by opening the start menu and selecting the Run option, or by pressing the Windows key + R. Eg. this will shut down Windows in 60 seconds and it uses the shutdown.exe tool.

Code:

shutdown -s -t 60

Abort the shutdown with

Code:

shutdown -a

You can actually make a shortcut which shuts down the computer, there's a video on Youtube.

 

Enable hibernate after X minutes option in Control Panel
Use the Windows shutdown command
Freeware utility - Amp WinOff.

I'm sure there are many other ways as well