Detect laptop remove from the docking station

[ppat]

I would like to write a script that launches EasyEject, selects "remove the laptop from its docking station". Then detects that the laptop has been physically removed from the docking station, then do some actions like Hibernate.

My first idea was to simply hibernate the laptop, then remove it from its docking station, but when resuming from Hibernation, I get several messages like "This is not the proper way to remove the PC" "DANGER!". To properly remove the laptop, EasyEject is IBM's utility to manage the docking station. Is is called by Fn+F9, and does not show a typical window, more like a menu floating above Windows.

I am asking because this involves the Fn key, which is not handled by AutoIt, also physical actions like removing the laptop from its docking station. This may prove difficult with AutoIt. So if anyone has experience with this with IBM laptops (or others), let me know, otherwise, I will not write a script and continue to do this by hand.

My typical sequence is this:

Fn+F7 then select "Internal LCD" in IBM's menu to switch back to the internal LCD display

Fn+F9 then select "Execute EasyEject actions" to prepare the safe removal of the laptop from its docking station

Physically remove the laptop from its docking station (note: no special message appears after removing the PC)

Fn+F12 to hibernate (or Shutdown(64) in Autoit).

[James]

I am asking because this involves the Fn key, which is not handled by AutoIt, also physical actions like removing the laptop from its docking station. This may prove difficult with AutoIt. So if anyone has experience with this with IBM laptops (or others), let me know, otherwise, I will not write a script and continue to do this by hand.

Use the AutoIt window tool to find IDs and names of buttons. Look at ControlClick or ControlSend.

Edited March 4, 2009 by JamesBrooks