Script Request: "All Programs" Auto-Opener

[Xichael]

If I could have the Windows 7 Start Menu "All Programs" pane show immediately upon opening the start menu, I'd be very pleased indeed; but my completely amateur AutoIt skills are no match for this one.

I was hoping I could use WinWaitActive and a ControlClick, but AutoIt doesn't seem to notice the Start Menu's title parameter.

Anyone care to have a crack at it?

[shanet]

Xichael: The whole idea of learning is to find someting that you can not do, and figure out how to do it.

We do not do script requests. We are happy to help you with problems encountered in the script however we do not make them for you.

Sorry.

[Xichael]

Who is this "we" you're speaking on behalf of?

I've noticed the exact opposite on this forum. Page after page of people writing and rewriting scripts for each other.

Perhaps others here will be a bit less offended the word "request". I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

And I would absolutely love to learn, if anyone would care to instruct.

[IanN1990]

#NoTrayIcon
local $Ran

while 1

    sleep(50)

if WinActive("[Class:DV2ControlHost]") Then
    If $Ran = 0 Then
    ControlClick("[Class:DV2ControlHost]", "", "[CLASS:Button; INSTANCE:1]", "Left", 1)
    $Ran = 1
    EndIf
Else
$Ran = 0
EndIf

WEnd

Spoiler - Contains a More effective version of the code above when the taskbar is not showing, I welcome peoples view on this idea-style of coding if it should be supported or not

#NoTrayIcon
local $Ran

while 1
sleep(50)

if WinActive("[Class:DV2ControlHost]") or $Ran=1 Then
    if $Ran = 0 Then
    ControlClick("[Class:DV2ControlHost]", "", "[CLASS:Button; INSTANCE:1]", "Left", 1)
    $Ran = 1
    Elseif $Ran = 1 Then
         if WinActive("[Class:DV2ControlHost]") Then
         Else
         $Ran = 0
         EndIf
    EndIf
EndIf

WEnd

Less effective when Window is active but more effective when window is not active. The idea behind is, in the first code when the window is not active the code goes. Check Active - No, Check Else, Do Else, End. Whereas this code is just Check Active - No, End.

Edited January 16, 2012 by IanN1990

[Xichael]

Thanks IanN1990! This is a long-time dream come true.

I make a habit of culling away all but the most essential shortcuts form All Programs, which has always made the Start Menu seem an unnecessary obstacle.

Now off to wrap my head around how it all works.

[Xichael]

Just added

ControlFocus("[CLASS:DV2ControlHost]", "", "[CLASS:DirectUIHWND; INSTANCE:1]")

to give focus back to the search box.

#NoTrayIcon
Local $Ran

While 1
   Sleep(50)

If WinActive("[CLASS:DV2ControlHost]") or $Ran=1 Then
   If $Ran = 0 Then
   ControlClick("[CLASS:DV2ControlHost]", "", "[CLASS:Button; INSTANCE:1]")
   ControlFocus("[CLASS:DV2ControlHost]", "", "[CLASS:DirectUIHWND; INSTANCE:1]")
   $Ran = 1
   ElseIf $Ran = 1 Then
      If WinActive("[CLASS:DV2ControlHost]") Then
      Else
      $Ran = 0
      EndIf
   EndIf
EndIf

WEnd

[IanN1990]

Glad i was able to help

[u01jmg3]

A bit late to the party but thanks Xichael and IanN1990

This script is invaluable to me and a lifesaver when using Windows 7 on a daily basis

I wondered however if the script could be improved to cover 2 slight issues I've come across whilst using it?

1. Occasionally when clicking on my start button and my start menu opens and the script fires and correctly shows 'All Programs' I find that focus isn't always given to the search box until I mouse off my start button and over my start menu. Could the focus code be extended to remove this side effect?
2. When deleting folders from my start menu upon completion of the delete my start menu jumps to showing me the recent/pinned apps list. I then have to click 'All Programs' again manually to be shown what I want to see. Could the script refire on this occasion to automatically show 'All Programs' again or is there a way to prevent a delete from reverting back to the recent/pinned apps list?

I am a noob at AutoIt but a willing programmer.

Thanks

[JLogan3o13]

First off, necro-posting after more than two years is generally discouraged. It would be better if you started a thread of your own, rather than expecting people to read through an entire topic to get to your question.

As to that question, the answer is yes; those items can be added, and quite easily. Why not post what you tried on your own?

1. What can you find in the help file regarding giving a window focus (look under Window Management).

2. Look at Func in the help file, so you can see how to call the code to launch all programs, and then call it again if necessary.

If you run into issues, feel free to post what you have and we will do our best to help.