executing programs from command line

[lvcgpro]

I'm a total commander noob. What I'm trying to do is to make it possible to run a program (visual foxpro e.g.) by just typing a single letter (e.g. "v") and hitting enter on the command line. I can do it within the directory that the batch file is in (of course), but I want to be able to do that in any directory. I know it can be done - and I'm sure it's not hard. I think it has to do with writing a batch file (which I've done) and have an environment variable point to it - but I could be WAY off - can someone help?

[icfu]

1. open

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HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths

if you want to create an alias for all users;

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HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths

if you want to create an alias for the current user only;

2. create key

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v.exe

;

3. enter full path to your visualpro.exe in default value of that key.

This is Windows standard behaviour, so it will also work for Start-Run, etc..., not only in TC.

Of course you can also create a batch like "v.cmd" or "v.bat" and put it into a path covered by the %path% variable, for example in your windows directory.

The content should look like that:
1.

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start X:\blabla.exe

if path to the exe has no spaces;
2.

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start "" "X:\bla bla.exe"

if path contains spaces (also works with no spaces of course)

Alternatives are specialized program starters like TypeAndRun, Easy-Go! or the excellent AutoHotkey with which you can create aliases much more comfortable.

Icfu

[petergus]

Like i said - i'm a total commander noob. What I'm trying to do is to make it possible to run a program (visual foxpro e.g.) by just typing a single letter (e.g. "v") and hitting enter on the command line. I know it can be done - and I'm sure it's not hard. I think it has to do with writing a batch file (which I've done) and have an environment variable point to it - but I could be WAY off - can someone help? Hope i haven't confused ya too much.

Hi, the simplest way is to create a shortcut to your program and place it in your Windows or System32 folder.

No need to edit registry or create a batchfile. Just make sure the name is unique.

To create a shortcut with TC you use CTRL-SHIFT-F5.

// Peter

[icfu]

This is way too banal. Try again, please.

Icfu

[lvcgpro]

thanks icfu - quick and easy - i just copied my batch file into an already existant path that was in the environment variables. (I was originally trying to create my own) - I appreciate the help!

[icfu]

Here you have some more options, including those proposed by me and petergus:
http://www.virtualplastic.net/html/misc_cut.html

Excellent site to visit, not only that link.

Icfu

[majkinetor !]

batch will always jump infront off you without adequate 3td party tools. So, the only good solution is either a shortcut or Registry.