Start DSL connection from Network Connections

[Guest autocoder]

I am a retired mainframe programmer trying to learn AutoIT.

I am trying to activate my DSL connection from Control Panel\Network Connections as follows:

Run("control panel\network connections\BELLSOUTH DSL.lnk")

or

$shortcut = FileGetShortCut ("C:\Documents and Settings\Wade\Desktop\BELLSOUTH DSL.LNK")

Run($shortcut[0],$shortcut[1])

Neither of the above works. $shortcut is null

Can anyone help me.

[CyberSlug 6]

This is an interesting question:

0) Just curious: Isn't DSL an "always-on" connection?

1) LNK files can typically be run by using Run(@ComSpec & "/c " & $shortcutGoesHere, "", @SW_HIDE) BUT it appears that network connection shortcuts don't work with this ...

2) Dial-up connections can be launched with "rasdial.exe"--search the forum for more info--but I don't see any equivalent for DSL/LAN connections....

Ugly workaround tested on Windows XP Pro (English):

$path = @DesktopDir & '\BELLSOUTH DSL.lnk'
Send("#r");simulate Win+R keypress
WinWait("Run");wait for the Run dialog to appear
ControlSetText("Run","","Edit1","""" & $path & """")
ControlClick("Run","","OK")

[erebus 1]

This is an interesting question:

0)  Just curious:  Isn't DSL an "always-on" connection?

Not always. It depends on the type of the DSL equipment you have. If you have a DSL modem you cannot keep you DSL connection always-on, unless you leave your computer open.

If instead of having a cheap USB DSL modem, you have a DSL router you can do the job. It keeps the connection alive and even if the line disconnects, it tries to bring it back (if wanted). In any case you can setup everything concerning your connection and you don't have to use a computer as a gateway..

1)  LNK files can typically be run by using Run(@ComSpec &  "/c " & $shortcutGoesHere, "", @SW_HIDE) BUT it appears that network connection shortcuts don't work with this ...

2)  Dial-up connections can be launched with "rasdial.exe"--search the forum for more info--but I don't see any equivalent for DSL/LAN connections....

I think that the case is the same. If you don't use a router as I said, you have to setup a VPN connection that sends to the DSL USB modem almost the same information as a normal dial-up connection (username/password and IP instead of the phone number). So maybe your workaround is correct here..