.ShellExecute - VBScript

.ShellExecute

Execute a specified executable file or document, or open a specified web page.

Syntax

.ShellExecute(FilePath, Operation, Parameters, ShowWindow)

Options/Flags

Parameter | Type | Description
——————— | ———– | ———–
FilePath | String | Specifies the path and filename of the executable file, document, or web page to open.
Operation | String | Specifies the operation to perform on the file or document. Can be “open”, “edit”, “print”, or “explore”.
Parameters | String | Specifies any parameters to pass to the executable file or document.
ShowWindow | Integer | Specifies how the file or document window should be displayed. Can be one of the following:

  • 1 (SW_HIDE)
  • 2 (SW_MINIMIZE)
  • 3 (SW_MAXIMIZE)
  • 4 (SW_RESTORE)

Examples

Simple:

.ShellExecute "notepad.exe", "open", "test.txt"

With Parameters:

.ShellExecute "myapp.exe", "open", "/parameter1:value1 /parameter2:value2"

Open Web Page:

.ShellExecute "iexplore.exe", "open", "https://www.example.com"

Common Issues

  • File Not Found: Ensure that the specified file path is correct.
  • Access Denied: Verify that you have sufficient permissions to open the file or document.
  • Invalid Operation: Check that the operation you are attempting is supported by the file type.

Integration

  • Create a Shortcut: Create a shortcut to a file or document using:
Set wshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
wshShell.ShellExecute "explorer.exe", "open,filename.lnk"
  • Open Recent Documents: Access the list of recently opened documents using:
Set wshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
documents = wshShell.SpecialFolders("Recent")
documents.self.Items
  • .Run: Executes a program or command.