edit multiple files one by one

[batvase]

Hello!

I read this forum for a while and find many answers, but now I have to register to ask help.

So, I have a program for barcode generation, with huge number of files (about 5000+). Last week I reinstalled my windows, and barcode printer lost it's settings. The only way now is to modify these files one by one. I mean to open program that edit *.lab file, make some changes, and when all is done to close the program, when it ask to write modified file to answer with "yes".

All manipulations with mouse and keys I can make, but don't know how to open files one by one with diferent names. I need every time to open the file from folder, not by program dialog because when it opens like that, dialog windows arranged with cascade style, and thats changed position of click.

Open from folder:

Open from program:

I hope you can understand my english.

Thanks!

Edited August 14, 2013 by batvase

[Melba23]

batvase,

Welcome to the AutoIt forum.

If all the files are in the same folder, then you can list them using _FileListToArray - if they are scattered throughout the tree then my _RecFileListToArray UDF will do the trick. Then I suggest using ShellExecuteWait on each of the files in turn - if they are associated with the app you use they should open in it and you can modify them as required.

But judging from your "changed position of click" comment I imagine that you are using simple "MouseClick" commands. I would look to using Control* commands - they are much more reliable and do not depend on screen position.

M23

[batvase]

Thank you for fast reply.

Yes all files are in the same directory, and I must use mouse click because that is the only way to reach "properties" of barcode and to make changes.

I used Autoit to launch some programs at startup (they need user name and password to function), so that was simple scripts.

[JLogan3o13]

Can you give an example of step by step what you need to do to modify the file? We can probably assist you in getting away from the unreliable mouse clicks. Something like this will help us assist you:

• Open File
• Click File
• Click Properties
• etc.
• etc.
• Save File
• Close

[batvase]

 

JLogan3o13 I will be grateful for any help!

1. open file

2. right click over barcode

3. left click over properties (P short key)

4. send {tab}

5. send 2 (adjust barcode height)

6. send {enter} (OK button, edit complete)

7. send alt+F4 (close program)

8. send {enter} (OK button, the program ask to save the file)

9. open next file

I'm not sure how to open next file.

Thanks!

[Myicq]

Batvase,

I have sucessfully automated LabelView 10, a much newer product but still from Teklynx. Task: extract all object properties to XML.

[rant]

It would be SO much nicer if Teklynx were'nt so arrogant and supplied a decent COM interface. Their software is so close-up that once you have your data in their application, nothing can get them out again except as an image. Yes, they won't even export to another of their products [CodeSoft] against payment.

[/rant]

LV10 was simple because it has an object tree I could traverse. Your situation may be different, not sure if you can get to an object list ?

If not, is your barcode in same position always ?  You could perhaps move the child window to known coordinates. Or maximise it ?

Let me know if I can help in any way.

[batvase]

Myicq thank you for advise.

There is object list:

But I can't change anything there (maybe because it is free version).

Yes, barcode is always in same position, but the child window can only be maximised by mouse ( alt+space+x maximises parent window).

[Myicq]

This is in principle what I did to extract data from a label software:

• Open application
• Grab a list of files into array
• Send keystrokes to open a file
• Focus on object list. This was in my case a treeview I could interact with
• Double Click objects one by one
• Extract content from property window that opens (I could simply read all window text). The property window was an unknown tab page control but could be navigated using Ctrl-Tab
• Close property window
• When no more objects, close file

So I did not have to worry about object placement or maximising the child window.

In your case, how do you get to properties of an object ?

Would be happy to post some example code here. I can't post all of it, as I sold the solution to a customer.

[batvase]

Hi Myicq, I was on vacantion.

Thank you again for helping me.

I will be great if you post some examples, especialy with list of files to array.

The only way to get properties of the file is with right click with mouse over barcode. But if I use ctrl+x to close property window, next file will be a little to right position, and thats make dificult to oprate with it. That's why I need to open the application every time.

[junkew]

Can you check the .LAB file in an (hex) editor. Maybe its a text format which easily can be edited

For sure you can click the maximize window button with a controlclick command or a little more complex is to use this

'?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent>>

What is Au3INF.EXE showing when you hover over the controls like maximize/minimize etc.

[junkew]

I checked by downloading your tool labelshop from here

http://www.intermec.info/software/labelshop-intermec-etiket-design-software/intermec-labelshop-downloads.html

Tough as this is not recognizable

[CLASS:Afx:400000:8:10003:10:0; INSTANCE:4]

this can help

'?do=embed' frameborder='0' data-embedContent> title="">

as you know get access to the min,max, close buttons

But probably this code will put you in the right direction with the help file of AutoIT

Local $handle = WinGetHandle("[CLASS:CodesoftWndClass]")

Winactivate("[CLASS:CodesoftWndClass]")
Local $Title = WinGetTitle("[active]")

Opt("WinSearchChildren", 1) ;0=no, 1=search children also
;~ Find a list of windows that ends with .lab
Local $var = WinList("[REGEXPTITLE:.*\.Lab]")

;~ maximize them first window is overall Labelshop window
winactivate($var[2][0])
$pos=wingetpos($var[2][0])
mousemove($pos[0]+$pos[2]-60,$pos[1]+10)
mouseclick("left")
sleep(500)

; Shows the filenames of all files in the current directory.
Local $search = FileFindFirstFile("*.lab")

; Check if the search was successful
If $search = -1 Then
    MsgBox(0, "Error", "No files/directories matched the search pattern")
    Exit
EndIf

While 1
    Local $file = FileFindNextFile($search)
    If @error Then ExitLoop

    MsgBox(4096, "File:", $file)
WEnd

; Close the search handle
FileClose($search)

[batvase]

WOW!

Junkew thank you!

I will check, and will write here ( hope with success).