Opening new IE instance

[MichaelO]

I'm trying to open a new IE instance (not a new window) such that an additional IEXPLORE.exe process exists and shows up in Task Manager. (Another application requires that my URL is running in its own IE instance.)

When I use _IECreate($webpage), it seems to use the same instance of IEXPLORE.exe that is already running. Is that what is supposed to happen? Is there another _IE function that does what I am looking for?

I have tried using ShellExecute("iexplore.exe",$webpage) and that seems to work. I'll use that if necessary.

Also, can someone point me to something that explains the difference between shellexecute and run? I read the help file, but I must be missing what distinguishes them.

Thanks for your help.

[Nahuel]

Well what _IECreate() does is basically this:

$o_object = ObjCreate("InternetExplorer.Application")
$o_object.visible=1

So I guess that it's the creation of the object that is using an already running IE instance. Using your method is fine, if you want to work with that IE later you'll need _IEAttach()

About ShellExecute... well I don't know the 'technical' difference, but i can see it

Run will allow you to run any external program and pass parameters to it, but it can only be a program (EXE, BAT, COM, or PIF)

ShellExecute will let you run programs and any other file type wit its default application. You also have the 'verb' parameter:

The "verb" to use, common verbs include:

open = (default) Opens the file specified. The file can be an executable file, a document file, or a folder

edit = Launches an editor and opens the document for editing. If "filename" is not a document file, the function will fail

print = Prints the document file specified. If "filename" is not a document file, the function will fail

properties = Displays the file or folder's properties

[PsaltyDS]

I'm trying to open a new IE instance (not a new window) such that an additional IEXPLORE.exe process exists and shows up in Task Manager. (Another application requires that my URL is running in its own IE instance.)

When I use _IECreate($webpage), it seems to use the same instance of IEXPLORE.exe that is already running. Is that what is supposed to happen? Is there another _IE function that does what I am looking for?

No, it doesn't. Can you post a reproducer that will show that happening? Demo script below opens two different instances every time. Wrong again!

I have tried using ShellExecute("iexplore.exe",$webpage) and that seems to work. I'll use that if necessary.

Also, can someone point me to something that explains the difference between shellexecute and run? I read the help file, but I must be missing what distinguishes them.

ShellExecute() can be used with non-executables, like a URL or folder path. The shell will determine what to run based on file extention, etc., just like if typed in the Start|Run dialog. Run() requires an actual executable, which is why if you want to run a CMD.exe embedded command like "DIR", you have to use something like: Run(@Comspec & " /k DIR")

Oops, forgot the demo:

#include <IE.au3>

$sURL = "http://www.google.com"
$oIE1 = _IECreate($sURL)
$oIE2 = _IECreate($sURL)

Edited December 21, 2007 by PsaltyDS

[MichaelO]

No, it doesn't. Can you post a reproducer that will show that happening? Demo script below opens two different instances every time.

ShellExecute() can be used with non-executables, like a URL or folder path. The shell will determine what to run based on file extention, etc., just like if typed in the Start|Run dialog. Run() requires an actual executable, which is why if you want to run a CMD.exe embedded command like "DIR", you have to use something like: Run(@Comspec & " /k DIR")

Oops, forgot the demo:

#include <IE.au3>

$sURL = "http://www.google.com"
$oIE1 = _IECreate($sURL)
$oIE2 = _IECreate($sURL)

Hi - I tried your demo. My script calls the URL in exactly the same way.

Although each of these is showing up on the Task Manager 'Applications' tab, only a single IEXPLORE process is showing up on the Task Manager 'Processes' tab (see attached jpg).

[John117]

@all - OP is correct. If I manually open an IE the proccesses list increases. -using the script does not. (appears to behave like a tabbed browser in that it only displays one process) -yes I sorted by image name to verify count

someone else will come along and post something that makes this comment look foolish but as a last resort.

run a shortcut that points to IE and just attach to it to gain control . . .

Edited December 20, 2007 by Hatcheda

[DaleHohm]

See here: Using _IECreate to create different processes

Dale

[PsaltyDS]

See here: Using _IECreate to create different processes

Dale

The COM automation interface gives no facility to do this. In the past, I have recommended a workaround like this:

#include <IE.au3>
ShellExecute("iexplore.exe", "about:blank")
WinWait("Blank Page")
$oIE = _IEAttach("about:blank", "url")
_IELoadWait($oIE)
_IENavigate($oIE, "www.autoitscript.com")

Dale

@Neven - there are cases where getting multiple iexplore processes is desired. For example, session cookie context is shared withing all browser instances in the same iexplore process... start a new iexplore and you get a new session cookie context.

Well... didn't know that. I'll just shut up now...