Newbie to visual basic 6

[Designer]

I've only just started using VB6. The problem I have is that I want to launch a dos based program from a button in the application i'm writing. How would I go about this as i can't find any information on this anywhere?

Also, the dos application will have to start in full screen, can I do this with a pif? Target OS for the application is Win98SE

[doctorgonzo]

Use the shell command, like this:

shell("C:\DOS\MYFILE.EXE", vbMaximizedFocus)

The vbMaximizedFocus will start it maximized and with the focus (imagine that! ) You should be able to find the details on the other options available.

[Designer]

Thanks Doctorgonzo,

Got it launching the appliction OK now.

Is there a way to get the program to start full screen (not in a window, like it would if you started from dos mode)

Also using the shell command can I include switches because to launch the program from dos I would normally have to key in:

G6E_Keba.exe 1919

As this bypasses the applications default setting to ask for the password (which is 1919 by the way) otherwise this ancient program gets really frustrating as you would be keying the password in every couple of minutes.

Many thanks

[doctorgonzo]

Yes, you can add switches. I don't know about launching in full screen, though. I'm sure there is a way to do it, but it would probably involve API functions.

[Designer]

Thanks again Doc, you've saved me from a major headache

Would you believe i've spent £50 on a book and it's next to useless unless you want to learn how to do hello world type programs.

[doctorgonzo]

Yes, I would believe that.

All my programming knowledge is self-taught for the most part. I have bought some books, but as you have found out the poorer ones don't tell you anything useful.

Actually, I don't think I have bought any books at all for Visual Basic. It is pretty easy to get something up and running in VB (many would say too easy). I have just bought books on Java, C++, and C#, which are structured differently (in other words, better than VB). I still do most of my work in VB, though, simply because that's been forced upon me.

[Designer]

Basically, my work have been paying a guy a fortune for writing software for us. They asked me to have a crack at learning it to see if I could solve some of the problems this guy normally comes in for.

Normally I do PLC programming (also SoftPLC's) and that sort of thing so this is a bit new to me, I remember briefly touching on BASIC in school many years ago but thats the only computer programming experience i've had.