FAQ

This is a list of frequently asked questions asked on the forums. Other FAQs include:

• The one found in the AutoIt HelpFile. Much of it is about the transition from V2 to V3, but most is still relevant and should be a port of call, as well as this one.

How can I debug my script?

In SciTE

This one has a myriad of answers, but the most effective is to begin by using the SciTE4AutoIt3 Editor to create or edit scripts. This program is useful in debugging for the following reasons:

• Syntax highlighting allows for immediate viewing of any mistakes from unended script tags or quotes. This allows the scripter to visibly see the difference between the following portions of code.

Incorrect code

And the incorrect version:

Correct Code

• Global Syntax check built directly into the tools menu allows you to check an entire script for problems all at once.
• Built-in code tidying program that correctly indents untidy code and repairs messy scripts to allow them to be more readable. It also corrects problems with incorrectly capitalised function names and variables.
• Per-line trace insertion allows you to log every line of code executed to debug errors.
• Debug MsgBox's or ConsoleWrite's are able to be added anywhere in the script directly from SciTE. ConsoleWrite lines are less intrusive and prevent the added annoyance to the user of MsgBox's.

Picture of SciTE4AutoIt3

Using more code to check @error value

Nearly all functions will return something. Most of the time when a function fails, it returns 0 and sets @error. You can use this information not only to create scripts that handle for different errors but to debug and find out exactly why you are having problems. Check the help file for specific functions and their return values.

Via the Tray icon

You can add this line at the top of your script (1 is on, 0 is off) to enable debugging from the tray icon.

AutoItSetOption ("TrayIconDebug", 1);0-off

Then if you run the script (uncompiled as an AU3 file), you can mouse over the AutoIt icon in the system tray (down by the clock) to display debugging information.

Example output for TrayIconDebug

OutputDebugString native call

You can also debug a script on any computer by adding the following code to your script:

Func dbg($msg)
	 DllCall("kernel32.dll", "none", "OutputDebugString", "str", $msg)
 EndFunc

Then, when you need to add a debug line, call it as necessary. Example:

dbg("The value of Variable 1 at this time is " & $var1)

This debugging is completely transparent to the user, and is only viewable with a program such as DebugView from SysInternals. This method of debugging has the added advantage of being available to the developer in situations where is not acceptable or feasable to install SciTE on a client's unit.

Graphical debugger

Stumpii created a Graphical AutoIt Debugger, similar to Dev-C++'s debugging style.

Stumpii's Graphical AutoIt Debugger

How can I run something that is not an exe file [.txt, .msi, .pdf,.jpg etc.] [or] How can I open a webpage in the default browser?

It was for this reason that the ShellExecute function was created. Here is one example:

ShellExecute("C:\autoitscripts\test.au3", "", "", "edit", @SW_MAXIMIZE)

You can also specify a web address this way:

ShellExecute("http://www.autoitscript.com/forum", "", "", "open")

If you normally are able to right-click the file and select print, then you can also print the file from AutoIt using this function:

ShellExecute("C:\boot.ini", "", "", "print")

If you wish to open the file with the default program, you can do as follows (BETA ONLY):

ShellExecute("C:\autoitscripts\test.au3")

If you wish your script to wait until the process is finished, you can use the ShellExecuteWait function with the same parameters.

Note: The default verb is the verb configured in the registry. If no verb is set as default in the registry then the "open" verb is used. If the "open" verb is not present then the first verb listed in the registry is used (except on Windows 2000).

How can I prevent more than one copy of my script from running at once / detect another copy of my script running?

_Singleton function

There are a few different ways to go about this. You can use a function called _Singleton to detect multiple instances of your script. An example of how to use this code:

#include <Misc.au3>
_Singleton("TheNameOfMyScript")

In this instance, the script will immediately exit if there is already one copy running. If you simply want to know if another copy is running, you can use code similar to the next example:

#include <Misc.au3>
If _Singleton("MyScriptName", 1) = 0 Then
	; We know the script is already running. Let the user know.
	MsgBox(0, "Script Name", "This script is already running. Using multiple copies of this script at the same time is unsupported!")
	Exit
EndIf

_MutexExists function

Another method is to use _MutexExists.

If _MutexExists("MydeswswScriptName") Then
	; We know the script is already running. Let the user know.
	MsgBox(0, "Script Name", "This script is already running. Using multiple copies of this script at the same time is unsupported!")
	Exit
EndIf

;Function Author- Martin
Func _MutexExists($sOccurenceName)
	Local $ERROR_ALREADY_EXISTS = 183, $handle, $lastError
	$sOccurenceName = StringReplace($sOccurenceName, "", ""); to avoid error
	$handle = DllCall("kernel32.dll", "int", "CreateMutex", "int", 0, "long", 1, "str", $sOccurenceName)
	$lastError = DllCall("kernel32.dll", "int", "GetLastError")
	Return $lastError[0] = $ERROR_ALREADY_EXISTS
EndFunc;==>_MutexExists

How can I run my script as a service?

This is also a question with multiple answers, and none of them are the only way to do it. The first question to ask yourself is whether or not you wish to install the service on other computers besides your own.

On your own computer - One time only

The easiest way to do this is to use Pirmasoft RunAsSvc. This program makes services easy to install and easy to remove when necessary.

On all computers that run your script

To do this you can use SRVANY.EXE and ServiceControl.au3. You can then use this code to install your script as a service:

#include "ServiceControl.au3"
$servicename = "MyServiceName"
_CreateService("", $servicename, "My AutoIt Script", "C:\Path_to_\srvany.exe", "LocalSystem", "", 0x110)
RegWrite("HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\" & $servicename & "\Parameters", "Application", "REG_SZ", @ScriptFullPath)

Or use the following code to delete this service:

#include "ServiceControl.au3"
$servicename = "MyServiceName"
_DeleteService("", $servicename)

There is one caveat to setting up AutoIt as a service. If the service is not installed using the above code, it must have the "allow service to interact with the desktop" setting or else automation functions such as Control* or Win* functions will not function. To assure the service does indeed have this setting, use the following code:

RegWrite("HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\[ServiceName]", "Type", "REG_DWORD", 0x110)

How can I create/start/stop or otherwise control a service?

There are two include libraries that are designed specifically to interact with services. These are the following:

• ServiceControl.au3 made by SumTingWong. Functionality:
  • _StartService()
  • _StopService()
  • _ServiceExists()
  • _ServiceRunning()
  • _CreateService()
  • _DeleteService()
• _NTServices.au3 made by CatchFish. Functionality:
  • _ServiceStart()
  • _ServiceStop()
  • _ServiceStatus()
  • _ServicePause()

How can I display a progress bar while copying files or directories?

There are a many different topics on how to do this. For more, just search the forums for Progress Copy + Progress.

• Copy with progress dialog... By ezztabi
• Yet another copy with progress... By SumTingWong
• _MultiFileCopy... By Oscar (German Forums)
• _FileCopy... By Jos

Copy progress dialog by ezztabi

How can I make a hotkey that only works in my GUI?

It used to be quite tedious setting hotkeys to only work in your GUI. Now there is an easier way with the function GUISetAccelerators.

(From Helpfile example)

; A simple custom messagebox that uses the MessageLoop mode
#include <GUIConstantsEx.au3>

GUICreate("Custom Msgbox", 210, 80)

GUICtrlCreateLabel("Please click a button!", 10, 10)
$YesID = GUICtrlCreateButton("Yes", 10, 50, 50, 20)
$NoID = GUICtrlCreateButton("No", 80, 50, 50, 20)
$ExitID = GUICtrlCreateButton("Exit", 150, 50, 50, 20)

; Set accelerators for Ctrl+y and Ctrl+n
Dim $AccelKeys[2][2]=[["^y", $YesID], ["^n", $NoID]]
GUISetAccelerators($AccelKeys)

GUISetState(); display the GUI

Do
	$msg = GUIGetMsg()

	Select
		Case $msg = $YesID
			MsgBox(0, "You clicked on", "Yes")
		Case $msg = $NoID
			MsgBox(0, "You clicked on", "No")
		Case $msg = $ExitID
			MsgBox(0, "You clicked on", "Exit")
		Case $msg = $GUI_EVENT_CLOSE
			MsgBox(0, "You clicked on", "Close")
	EndSelect
Until $msg = $GUI_EVENT_CLOSE Or $msg = $ExitID

How can I perform an action while a key is held down?

You can use the _IsPressed() function to determine when a key is held down. The values that can be specified in this function are listed in the AutoIt Help File under User Defined Functions -> Misc Management -> _IsPressed. The following example will press the left mouse button while the k key is held down.

#include <Misc.au3>
$pressed = 0
While 1
	If _IsPressed("4B") Then
		If Not $pressed Then
			ToolTip("K Key being held down")
			MouseDown("left")
			$pressed = 1
		EndIf
	Else
		If $pressed Then
			ToolTip("")
			MouseUp("left")
			$pressed = 0
		EndIf
	EndIf
	Sleep(250)
WEnd

How can I run my script on a remote computer over the network?

The answer to this question depends on how much experience you have in networking. If the target system is a Windows 2000 or Windows XP Pro system to which you have administrator access then you may use one of the following programs:

• PsExec from SysInternals
• BeyondExec from BeyondLogic

With either of these programs it is possible to launch any process on a remote system and even copy your script to the target computer before starting it. Neither these programs nor any others will work with Windows XP Home Edition unless you create a custom "command listener" that you manually install on the target system.

NOTE: Those of you with more advanced programming skills and a little imagination can figure out how to use the service control libraries and srvany.exe to do this same thing without either of the above mentioned programs.

How can I make a User Defined Function with optional parameters like the ones I see in the Help File?

You can specify optional parameters by giving them a default value in the Func declaration. An example of how this is

done:

Func testme($param1, $param2 = "nothing", $param3 = 5)
	MsgBox(0, "", "Parameter one is required. The value of Parameter 1 is " & $param1 & @CRLF & _
		"Parameter 2 is optional. The value of Parameter 2 is " & $param2 & @CRLF & _
		"Parameter 3 is optional. The value of Parameter 3 is " & $param3)
EndFunc

If testme() is called with only one parameter [I.E. testme("test")] then the output is:

Parameter one is required. The value of Parameter 1 is test
Parameter 2 is optional. The value of Parameter 2 is nothing
Parameter 3 is optional. The value of Parameter 3 is 5

However, if the function is called with more than one parameter like this testme("test", "something"), then the output is

Parameter one is required. The value of Parameter 1 is test
Parameter 2 is optional. The value of Parameter 2 is something
Parameter 3 is optional. The value of Parameter 3 is 5

How can I make my script start every time windows starts?

You can use one of the following codes to allow your script to start with Windows:

RegWrite("HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run", "MyProgramName", "REG_SZ", @ScriptFullPath)

or

FileCreateShortcut(@ScriptFullPath, @StartupCommonDir & "\MyProgramName.lnk")

How can I have the script delete itself?

The following function will delete the running script or .exe once it has finished execution.

WARNING: Make a copy of your script before calling this function!!!

Func _SelfDelete($iDelay = 0)
	Local $sCmdFile
	FileDelete(@TempDir & "\scratch.bat")
	$sCmdFile = 'ping -n ' & $iDelay & ' 127.0.0.1 > nul' & @CRLF _
			 & ':loop' & @CRLF _
			 & 'del "' & @ScriptFullPath & '"' & @CRLF _
			 & 'if exist "' & @ScriptFullPath & '" goto loop' & @CRLF _
			 & 'del %0'
	FileWrite(@TempDir & "\scratch.bat", $sCmdFile)
	Run(@TempDir & "\scratch.bat", @TempDir, @SW_HIDE)
EndFunc;==>_SelfDelete

How can I create a clickable website hyperlink in my gui?

Example GUI using Gary's UDF.

Gary Frost has made great advances in this area and has provided a UDF here to help with doing this.

How can I change the screen resolution / refresh rate / color depth?

ChangeResolution.au3 is a library function created to make changes to these settings.

How can I get the screen resolution in multiple monitor setups?

The following code was worked out by Larry to determine the total screen resolution of multiple monitors:

$aTSR = _GetTotalScreenResolution()
MsgBox(0, "Total Screen Resolution", "Width = " & $aTSR[0] & @CRLF & _
		"Height = " & $aTSR[1])

;Original code by Larry.
;Edited by BrettF
Func _GetTotalScreenResolution()
	Local $aRet[2]
	Global Const $SM_VIRTUALWIDTH = 78
	Global Const $SM_VIRTUALHEIGHT = 79
	$VirtualDesktopWidth = DllCall("user32.dll", "int", "GetSystemMetrics", "int", $SM_VIRTUALWIDTH)
	$aRet[0] = $VirtualDesktopWidth[0]
	$VirtualDesktopHeight = DllCall("user32.dll", "int", "GetSystemMetrics", "int", $SM_VIRTUALHEIGHT)
	$aRet[1] = $VirtualDesktopHeight[0]
	Return $aRet
EndFunc

How can I register a file type with my program [or] How can I make files with a certain extension open in my program?

Example of how a file type can be registered.

File registration can be a tricky business for those who have not done it before. The first thing to be done is to modify your script to allow it to accept files from the command line. Here is one example of how to do this:

;$cmdline[0] is the number of parameters passed
If $cmdline[0] <> 0 Then
	$filename = $cmdline[1]
;Do something with the file here
	MsgBox(0, "UXYFixer", 'The file name passed to the command line is "' & $filename & '"')
Else
; We did not get any command line parameters.
; If this is a command line only program, you would want to
; alert the user that the command line parameters were incorrect.
; If this is a GUI program (like a notepad program), you would
; want to simply continue from here without opening a file.
	MsgBox(0, "UXYFixer", 'Command line parameters incorrect.' & @CRLF & 'Command line usage: "' & @ScriptName & '" "file to process"')
 EndIf

After your script is ready to accept files, you can begin to register the file type you need with your program. To prevent errors, this-is-me has created a UDF that will allow you to do this easily:

Here is an example of how to register and unregister a file extension using this UDF:

#include "FileRegister.au3"
;================================================
;
; Description:	FileRegister($ext, $cmd, $verb [, $def [, $icon = "" [, $desc = "" ]]])
;			   Registers a file type in Explorer
;
; Parameter(s): $ext -  File Extension without period eg. "zip"
;		$cmd -  Program path with arguments eg. '"C:\test\testprog.exe" "%1"'
;			 (%1 is 1st argument, %2 is 2nd, etc.)
;		$verb - Name of action to perform on file
;			 eg. "Open with ProgramName" or "Extract Files"
;		$def -  Action is the default action for this filetype
;			 (1 for true 0 for false)
;			 If the file is not already associated, this will be the default.
;		$icon - Default icon for filetype including resource # if needed
;			 eg. "C:\test\testprog.exe,0" or "C:\test\filetype.ico"
;		$desc - File Description eg. "Zip File" or "ProgramName Document"
;
;================================================

 FileRegister("uxy", '"' & @ScriptFullPath & '" "%1"', "Open in UXYFixer", 1, @ScriptFullPath & ',0', "UXYFixer Document")

;========================================
;
; Description:	FileUnRegister($ext, $verb)
;			   UnRegisters a verb for a file type in Explorer
; Parameter(s):  $ext - File Extension without period eg. "zip"
;			   $verb - Name of file action to remove
;					 eg. "Open with ProgramName" or "Extract Files"
;
;========================================

 FileUnRegister("uxy", "Open in UXYFixer")

Download here: FileRegister.au3

Why doesn't my combobox (GUICtrlCreateCombo) show a dropdown list when clicked?

When using GUICtrlCreateCombo be sure to enter the desired height for your combobox list in the "height" parameter. Windows XP automatically selects an appropriate height for combo boxes, but other versions of Windows usually do not.

$combo = GUICtrlCreateCombo("",10,10,200,20)

Would correctly be changed to:

$combo = GUICtrlCreateCombo("",10,10,200,200)

Why isn't my thread getting any replies?

Asking the right question right

Did you give a good description of the problem? If your title or explanation of the issue is not descriptive, users are likely to bypass your issue instead of helping. Post titles such as "Help Me", "I Have A Problem", "Question", "Help me fix my code", "This code doesn't work" or similarly worded titles will not readily draw forum users to your post. Experienced users (which are your best hope of resolving the issue) will often skip your post altogether in cases like this. An example of a post title descriptive enough to attract users to assist you is "Problem with WinWaitClose" or "Loop never ends".

Example for reproduction

Did you post example code? If you have not posted an example of the code you are having an issue with, then you will not recieve support. When posting a non-working script, please do so in the smallest amount of stand-alone code possible. If the code you post cannot run by itself on another person's computer, they will not be able to recreate the issue.

Speak English and speak it right

Did you use proper English? Here are guidelines for posting properly in the english language:

• Use proper case. THIS IS CONSIDERED YELLING. If you post in ALL UPPERCASE or all lowercase then you will look like a doofus.
• Use proper punctuation. Complete sentences need only one trailing punctuation mark -- not three!!! Writing a sentance without simple punctuation such as commas or other punctuation is considered lazy, which is considered a good judge of the poster's coding style. If you cannot summon the strength to write a sentence with correct punctuation, you will most likely miss simple coding mistakes such as unterminated quotes.

Breaking forum rules, law, modesty, or common Sense

Make sure you are not giving the impression of breaking forum rules, http://www.autoitscript.com/forum/forum-2/announcement-15-forum-rules-7-nov-2012/. Make sure you are not doing anything that can be perceived as breaking the law.

Why does the Ctrl key get stuck down after I run my script?

Keys virtually stuck

It could equally be the Shift Or the Alt key.

If you use Send In a script And you have a problem With keys being stuck down Then Send is the most likely culprit. A similar problem can occur With BlockInput. The solution is generally quite simple. If there is a key like Shift Or Alt held down at the start of the Send sequence, but that key is released by the time the Send sequence finishes Then the key will get 'stuck' down. As an example of a solution, you could replace the Send function in your script with the _SendEx function below.

The _SendEx function waits for the Shift, Alt And Ctrl keys to be released or pops up a warning if the $warn parameter is not an empty string. Therefore it is not intended to be used when one of these modifier keys has been set to be down using any combination of {ALTDOWN}, {SHIFTDOWN} and {ALTDOWN}.

#include < Misc.au3 >
;Send the string $ss after the Shift Alt and Ctrl keys are released. Optionally give a warning after 1 sec if any of those keys are still down.
;Requires misc.au3 to be included in the script for the _IsPressed function.
Func _SendEx($ss, $warn = "")
	Local $iT = TimerInit()

	While _IsPressed("10") Or _IsPressed("11") Or _IsPressed("12")
		If $warn <> "" And TimerDiff($iT) > 1000 Then
			MsgBox(262144, "Warning", $warn)
		EndIf
		Sleep(50)
	WEnd
	Send($ss)
EndFunc;==>_SendEx

General unstuck method

Shilbiz also discovered that the following can 'clear' locked down keys.

 ControlSend("", "", "", "text", 0)

How can I use Pixel functions?

Using a color change as an event

The following is an example of using the pixel to check if the colour has changed in a specific region.

Local $PixelCheck, $NewCheck
$PixelCheck = PixelCheckSum(40, 50, 60, 70); Get the checksum for this area.
While 1; Keep going
	$NewCheck = PixelCheckSum(40, 50, 60, 70)
	If $PixelCheck <> $NewCheck Then
		; The old pixel checksum and the new one are different.
		$PixelCheck = $NewCheck; Update the $PixelCheck to the new value
		; Let us now it has changed.  Change this to what you want to happen when the colour in the region changes.
		Msgbox(48,"PixelChecksum","Pixel region has changed !")
	EndIf
	Sleep(50); Just to give the CPU a bit of a break.
Wend

Searching for a specific pixel color

This is an example of searching for a specific pixel (red), both pure red (0xFF0000) and red in a few different shades.

; Find a pure red pixel in the range 0,0-20,300
$coord = PixelSearch( 0, 0, 20, 300, 0xFF0000 )
If Not @error Then
	MsgBox(0, "X and Y are:", $coord[0] & "," & $coord[1])
EndIf


; Find a pure red pixel or a red pixel within 10 shades variations of pure red
$coord = PixelSearch( 0, 0, 20, 300, 0xFF0000, 10 )
If Not @error Then
	MsgBox(0, "X and Y are:", $coord[0] & "," & $coord[1])
EndIf

Why doesn't my script work on a locked workstation?

On a locked station any window will never be active (active is only dialog with text "Press Ctrl+Alt+Del"). In Windows locked state applications run hidden (behind that visible dialog) and do not have focus and active status. So generally don't use Send() MouseClick() WinActivate() WinWaitActive() WinActive() etc. Instead use ControlSend() ControlSetText() ControlClick() WinWait() WinExists() WinMenuSelectItem() etc. This way you may have your script resistive against another active windows. It's possible to run such a script from scheduler on locked Windows stations.

Where can I learn AutoIt? Are there any tutorials?

To learn AutoIt you have two main options available to you:

AutoIt 1-2-3, an interactive classroom by Valuater. You may find it here: http://www.autoitscript.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=21048

There is also updated LxP's AutoIt tutorial by BrettF. You can find it here: http://www.autoitscript.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=84960

There is also a book; AutoIt v3: Your Quick Guide by Andy Flessner. You can buy the book from here: http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596515126/

On YouTube there are many videos available: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=autoit+tutorial&search_type=&aq=0&oq=AutoIt

Why does my script no longer decompile?

Decompilation is no longer supported, and is only available for the older versions of AutoIt (Version 3.2.5.1 and earlier compiled scripts).

Please do not post on this topic, but search the forums for more information. Posting topics like this will usually get the topic locked.

Also posting the source (if a hacked decompiler was used) of other compiled scripts, or otherwise mentioning these hacked decompilers will probably get you banned. It is also in violation of the AutoIt EULA (End-User-License-Agreement).

You may not reverse engineer or disassemble the SOFTWARE PRODUCT or compiled scripts that were created with the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.

Please see the Decompiling FAQ for more information.

How can I get a window handle when all I have is a PID?

Refer to the following example showing converting and use when manipulating the window. The function is based on work by Smoke_N/Hubertus and Helge.

;Run process
$iPID = Run("Notepad.exe")

;Allow window to initialize...
Sleep (500)

;Get HWND.
$hWnd = _GetHwndFromPID($iPID)

;Maximize
WinSetState($hWnd, "", @SW_MAXIMIZE)

;Wait 2 seconds
Sleep(2000)

;Minimize
WinSetState($hWnd, "", @SW_MINIMIZE)

;Wait 2 seconds
Sleep(2000)

;Restore window
WinSetState($hWnd, "", @SW_RESTORE)

;Wait 2 seconds
Sleep(2000)

;Move top left corner of screen, and resize to 800x600
WinMove($hWnd, "", 0, 0, 800, 600)

;Wait 2 seconds
Sleep(2000)

;Calculate Center of screen.
$x = (@DesktopWidth / 2) - 400; Desktop width divided by 2, then minus half the width of the window
$y = (@DesktopHeight / 2) - 300; Desktop height divided by 2, then minus half the height of the window

;Move to center of screen
WinMove($hWnd, "", $x, $y)

;Wait 2 seconds
Sleep(2000)

;Close notepad
WinClose($hWnd)


;Function for getting HWND from PID
Func _GetHwndFromPID($PID)
	$hWnd = 0
	$winlist = WinList()
	Do
		For $i = 1 To $winlist[0][0]
			If $winlist[$i][0] <> "" Then
				$iPID2 = WinGetProcess($winlist[$i][1])
				If $iPID2 = $PID Then
					$hWnd = $winlist[$i][1]
					ExitLoop
				EndIf
			EndIf
		Next
	Until $hWnd <> 0
	Return $hWnd
EndFunc;==>_GetHwndFromPID

How can I use single or double quotes in strings?

It is a fairly simple concept once you get the basics down. Basically there are a few different ways to go about mixing quotes in strings.

A string in AutoIt can be encased in either single(') or double (") quotes. So if you want to add only one type of quote into your string, your first port of call is to use the other type of quote to encase the string. Like so:

$var = "I am a 'quote' inside the string"
MsgBox (0, "Test 1", $var)
$var = 'I wish I could be a "quote" inside the string!'
MsgBox (0, "Test 1", $var)

If you have to have both types of quotes in the string, the easiest way is to escape the quote ending the string as so to speak. To do this, use two quotes instead of one. Like so:

$var = 'I am a single ''quote'' inside the string made using "single quote!"'
MsgBox (0, "Test 1", $var)

When should I bump my threads?

As a courtesy to other users you should only bump your post once in a 24 hour period. Doing this allows all users the chance to get helped equally. Also refer to Why isn't my thread getting any replies?, as this will help you get replies.

How can I protect my code from decompilation?

The fact of the matter is you can't fully protect your code. AutoIt is an interpreted language, so all scripts are interpreted, and that script has to get stored somewhere. There is still hope though. You can take certain measures to prevent decompiled code from being usable to the person that decompiled. The first step is to obfuscate your code. This causes the code to become unreadable. Basically variables and functions are renamed, making it very hard to make head or tail of what is what.

Please see the Decompiling FAQ for more information.

How can I decompile my AutoIt EXEs?

You cannot decompile your AutoIt compiled scripts unless it was compiled with AutoIt 3.2.5.1 or earlier.

If you wish to simulate decompilation for your script, you can do this using the following simple example:

;Original Author SmokeN
If $CMDLINE[0] Then
	If $CMDLINE[1] == "/SOURCE" AND $CMDLINE[2] == "MYPASSWORD" Then
		FileInstall("ThisSCript.au3", @ScriptDir & "\DecompiledScript.au3")
	EndIf
EndIf

Then if you run the exe with the following command line parameters your source will be installed.

myscript.exe /SOURCE MYPASSWORD

What is proper forum etiquette? What rules are there for the forum?

Proper forum etiquette will ensure you will stay a member of these forums. So try to follow these rules. Also see this FAQ post, as you should follow what is outlined there as well.

• Use proper English. MSN speak and the like makes it very hard to understand what you want. Keep posts in proper case because UPPERCASE is considered yelling and lowercase makes you look stupid. Don't use more punctuation marks than necessary. For example ?!!!? and ????? is completely unnecessary.
• Before posting help with a script, make sure you follow these steps:
  1. Search for your issue.
     • There are many thousands of posts on this forum, and chances are your question has been asked before. Make sure to use a variety of terms to maximize your results.
  2. Read the helpfile
     • Most if not all things in the help file will have an example (native functions) or two. Give them a go to try see how the functions work. Most of the time it helps!
  3. Give it a go
     • Seriously, if you can't be bothered to give it a go, then why should we be bothered to help you? If you feel you can't do it and you don't try then how will you ever know? We always prefer that you give it a go because you can learn from your mistakes and hopefully understand it better.
  4. Post your problem
     • Make sure you post in the correct forum.
       • AutoIt Specific
         • General Help and Support (Most support questions)
         • GUI Support (Support for the Graphical User Interface)
       • Non-AutoIT
         • Chat
         • Developer Chat (Usually for C++ questions.)
     • Include a detailed description in the content of the post, and a detailed title
       • Titles such as 'Help' and 'What's wrong?' are not acceptable. To get the most help with your problem, be as descriptive as you can in the title, but keep in mind your title cannot be too long.
       • Make sure you also include a descriptive question. Just saying 'what is wrong with the following' is also not acceptable, as we will have no idea what the problem is. Describe what you think is wrong and what is not working. It makes our job easier.
     • Always include your code
       • It shows us that you have tried and gives us a head start with something to play with.
• Usually asking for a script is not taken too well, within reason. Keep in mind that this is a support forum, so please acknowledge that. Most of us would rather that you learn rather than just having a script written for you. If you do need something written for you, maybe try RentACoder, as they are more suited to requests.
• Don't PM other members asking for them to look at threads of to help you unless they request it. It is actually quite rude and annoying to receive PMs of that nature.
• Lurk a little before you dive right in. Read a number of posts, or check out the group's archives. Get a feel for the tone of the forum so you can participate accordingly.
• Say online exactly what you would say in person. In other words, if you wouldn't say it to the person's face in front of your Grandmother, you shouldn't type it here.
• Remember your face doesn't show. Words alone can convey sentiment, but without benefit of inflection or facial expression, they can be misconstrued. Use descriptive wording, emoticons or .gifs to ensure your meaning is clear. By the same token, don't jump to conclusions about another person's intent in posting an unclear comment. When in doubt, ask for clarification.
• Be respectful. Internet etiquette is similar to standard etiquette in this area. Appreciate that your opinion is one of many. You can disagree with another person without being disrespectful or rude to other people.
• Ignore Trolls. If you engage in conversation with one, you'll raise your blood pressure and empower the troll. You can't win a flame war, and you can't sway a troll's opinion. Often, they don't even care about the subject. They live for the conflict and nothing more. Trolls are common and not worthy of your time. Ignore their posts no matter how inflammatory and eventually they'll get bored and move on.
• When you have found an answer for your question:
  1. Do not edit your post to be blank or to have worthless information. People may be searching for the same issue you have, so be courteous to them by leaving your question there.
  2. It is also optional to add the likes of [SOLVED] into the title, and redirecting people to the answer that helped you. It can make the lives of people searching easier.
• Finally follow the rules:
  • Forum rules
  • Rules for the Chat forum
  • Rules for asking for source code
  • General policies and forum settings

Some general points taken from here.

Are there forums available in my local language?

Yes there are some available. Some forum members here participate in multiple forums.

• German Forums
• French Forums
• Spanish Forums
• Russian Forums

Please note that these are independent, community-run message boards and not just a translation of this board.