AppActivate and SendKeys

[athyeh]

Sub Rec()
AppActivate ("Form One")
SendKeys "{TAB}"
SendKeys "{9}"
End Sub

Hi Folks,

I am trying to create a string of code that takes values a user inputs onto the macro-based spreadsheet and inputs them into a window called "Form One"

AppActivate ("Form One")

this part of the code works great in that it activates the window "Form One"

The next part doesn't work at all. I am trying to use the "Tab" button to move the cursor to the next field and 'type' the number "9" but it isn't working at all. And by not working at all I mean that the macro selects the window "Form One" and then nothing happens.

The weird thing is, if I run the macro enough times (repeatedly hitting the "Start" box I have assigned the macro to), the Macro does tab over and type 9 into the next field.

Can someone please troubleshoot?

Thanks!

[Kenneth Hobson]

If you have UAC on, you should turn it off.

This method is prone to errors. There are two issues critical other than UAC: (1) focus and (2) timing.

Add a wait after the AppActivate. Use False or True for those two commands 2nd parameter can sometimes help. I would definitely use True for the AppActivate.

[athyeh]

Thank you for your response. I edited the code:

Sub Rec()
AppActivate ("Note Entry"), True
SendKeys "{TAB}", True
SendKeys "{9}", True
End Sub

The first time I tried it, it worked, but after repeated attempts to replicate, no success. Thoughts?

Also, you said "this method" is prone to errors. Are there other methods (I'm sure there are), would you be able to elaborate on those?

Thanks!

[Kenneth Hobson]

The other method would use API commands. API commands like FindWindow() are sometimes used. Other commands can be used to search for the windows handle by its classname.

Some API code to find a windows handle or a specific control's handle can be easy with a spy tool. See the 2nd link from the bottom for a free one that I use. http://patorjk.com/blog/software/

API command SendMessage() would send the keys. Some call a derivative of it, SendInput(). Search for this in google and you should find some examples. "Alternative Sendkeys vba"

Other API commands use these two keywords: "WM_KEYDOWN" and "WM_KEYUP".

e.g
http://www.vbaexpress.com/forum/show...ighlight=keyup

Some have written Classes that make sending keys a bit easier.

The main thing is find the windows handle for the dialog you want to send keys, add a delay, then send the keys and more delay added as needed for each key or set of keys.

[athyeh]

The other method would use API commands. API commands like FindWindow() are sometimes used. Other commands can be used to search for the windows handle by its classname.

Some API code to find a windows handle or a specific control's handle can be easy with a spy tool. See the 2nd link from the bottom for a free one that I use. http://patorjk.com/blog/software/

API command SendMessage() would send the keys. Some call a derivative of it, SendInput(). Search for this in google and you should find some examples. "Alternative Sendkeys vba"

Other API commands use these two keywords: "WM_KEYDOWN" and "WM_KEYUP".

e.g
http://www.vbaexpress.com/forum/show...ighlight=keyup

Some have written Classes that make sending keys a bit easier.

The main thing is find the windows handle for the dialog you want to send keys, add a delay, then send the keys and more delay added as needed for each key or set of keys.

I have heard about this, but also heard that is a very delicate process, easily susceptible to input errors which can cause the excel/other programs to crash and lose all work?

[Kenneth Hobson]

API methods can be tedious. Anyway you look at it, you can shoot yourself in the foot if you send the wrong keys or send them to the wrong window in any method that you choose. For reliability over Application.SendKeys, I would choose an API method.

While I don't know your other application, this example shows how to deal with the notepad application using API methods.

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[athyeh]

And this is accomplished through a Macro in Excel?

[Kenneth Hobson]

I am not sure what you mean. All of the API code that I posted is VBA macro code.

[athyeh]

I'm sorry, my understanding/aptitude is relatively low. What I mean is, I tried putting the code above into an Excel Macro, behind a "Start Button" (Insert button wrote, "Start", assigned macro), opened Notepad, tried to run the macro and it did not work...

What am I missing?

[TMS]

What you are missing is the fact that you have been given the "tools" to open, close, read from and write to Notepad ... and brilliant it looks to be.

What you are missing is an example of how to use it. So, for example:

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Regards, TMS

[athyeh]

Where can I go to learn more?