Er.. How to make a shortcut? ...with parameter! ;-)

Hi

As far as I remember, in Windows editions prior to XP it was possible to make a shortcut to a target like: "c:\games\doom 2\doom2.exe -noobmode=on" and similar. I'm not sure what this "-noobmode=on" would be called, so I'll call it a parameter.

Today I tried to do something similar with the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. multiplayer beta executable, because to run it without a key (dloaded legally, but I can't get a betatest key 'cause the competition's over) on a local server I would have to type something like "xr_3da.exe -start Server(testers_mp_factory/ArtefactHunt/hname=SPTestServer/maxplayers=2/rpfrz=5/ans=1/vote=1/anslen=5/dmbi=1/etimef=2) client(localhost/name=TestPlayer)".

Pretty convenient, I'd say.

Now, when I try to make the above the target of a shortcut, the helpful-as-ever Windows XP states that "the name .... is not valid.". Is there a way to bypass overprotective, tender care that windows tries to drown me in?

Maybe there is a simple solution I just don't know about..?

thx

Lith (Poland)

 

Forget about shortcuts and parameters.:major

Try SlickRun at www.bayden.com/dl/sr-upgrade.exe

and do away with your icons and shortcuts altogether.
Not available thru' MajorGeeks despite my pleading.

I have 170+ magicWords instead of icons.

They are easily remembered as you set them up with Alpha names, and easy to check up on if you forget them.

You can specify parameters to you hearts content.

Using SlickRun also cleans up your Desktop by deleting icons and shortcuts as they are no longer needed on your Desktop.

Let us know how you go.

Bazza

 

create a small batchfile in notepad to include
runxxxx parameters
Save the file somewhere suitable as runmyprog.bat, even the desktop itself
Create a shortcut to runmyprog.bat

It will run when you double click.


Studio T

 

Thanks a lot, StudioT!

I thought it will be something simple, but I completely forgot about .bat files. They work perfectly. Once again, you save the day ;-)

P.S. But it's true what I remember - that Win98 had no such shortcut problems?



@bigbazza:

Slickrun seems a good idea, but I don't mind having shortcuts and I'm quite used to them ;-) Plus, I try to run/install as few programs as possible. Thanks anyway, I will tell my friends about this one, maybe they're less "orthodox" ;-)

Lith

 

Hi, I was experimenting with .bat files thinking about answering the original post. My problem was that a .bat to open a program with parameters, left the cmd window open behind the application. I couldn't figure out how to close the cmd window automatically and leave the program open. Any tips?

 

Yes, use SlickRun. :cool :major Bazza

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A second simpler option is to create a shortcut to the program.
Then on the desktop right click the shortcut
Choose properties>shortcut tab
in the target box manually enter the switches and parameters that you desire.
this works for explorer and ms office switches

Studio T

 

Bazza, you got me! I'm going to try out SlickRun .

StudioT, I think that is what he tried but the target length was too long. Not sure but that is how I read it. Maybe quotes or something would work?
Do you have the same problem with the cmd window staying open for .bat files? I don't remember that happening pre-XP. I can close the cmd window w/o the program closing but want it to close automatically. "Exit" in the .bat doesn't work. This is only a problem for opening programs not for simple commands like "dir >file.txt" or whatnot. Just curious, never noticed this problem before.

 

Try using the "Start" command in the .BAT file to run the application. Look at the available switches for it "Start /?". The cmd window goes away once everything is opened. It works like this in my case - using Win2kPro.

 

Excellent! Thank you very much, Ken3. I had never noticed this behavior in .bat files and it was bugging me.

 

Hopefully one convert, at least.
Gawd, computers are slow to operate without SlickRun, IMHO of course. Bazza

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IMHO ? A humble Aussie??

You must have been playing cricket against Somerset.

Studio T

 

Did we humble Somerset at cricket recently? Bazza

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I think the real problem is that we have the rugby team in the Windies playing cricket or something and the cricket team in Wales playing something or rugby.

Studio T

 

:major Bazza

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Here's my question; I want to take a URL and make it a desktop icon shortcut. How do I do dat?

 

This really should be under another thread .... however, if you're at the website of the URL, then click and drag the address inside the address bar of your browser to the desktop.

Or ... copy the URL, at the desktop right click and select "New/ShortCut" or something like that. When the Wizard comes up, paste the URL and give the shortcut a name.

Or ... Depending on your browser .... If you have it bookmarked or as a favorite, then right click and drag to the desktop and click on "Create Shortcut".

Lots of ways to do it.

 

Use SlickRun. :major It does all this, much more and much cleaner on your Desktop. Bazza

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