Hi Bruce,
Yes, thanks for mulling it over. I have been trying to switch to open
windows by using the corresponding desktop shortcuts, and this method
does not always bring focus to the desired application window; I usually
am brought to the application window, though quite often to what I
believe is the overlap window, not the client window which had focus
previously. I am sure that your recommended method holds the greatest
promise for success. I was just wondering whether there was an easier
way. Life has few shortcuts, doesn't it?
Thanks,
Rod
On 12/24/13 4:07 PM, LB wrote:
Hi Rod,
There probably is a error check built into the app because as you noted in
the past you can open up many copies of Notepad and there is no conflict.
I did this error check like Windoweyes does when I wrote my Dos screen
reader program. I captured the process ID of the program which is given when
the program is activated. it is given a multiplex number or sends out a
multiplex number.
Thus if if that multiplex number has been sent with the code you gave it
and when the program opens up a second time that code will say it is already in
use, thus telling the program not to activate in memory. You can make a voice,
sound, or any alert as it is deactivating the program.
So depending on the program this will happen and you must know that
program's state. But instead of getting or setting multiplex numbers you just
make a dictionary with the program name and/or class number and you can write
your own alert on that issue just like the Notepad app program does.
So the best way to keep track of all your windows is to make a copy of
it's name and class inside a dictionary. You could get all the window data as
well but that changes all the time.
There is an MDI of Child event which is triggered a lot along with
activate and deactivate and many other events.
So there are many things to monitor and capture under the Top Desktop
point, but all can be stored in a dictionary. I guess a key could be it's class
or name or something unique.
Once you have the window's ID you can set focus to that window inside a
hotkey call using the dictionary you have created as each window is first
opened; keeping track at all times, by creation and closing and such.
I hope you get the idea of what i am saying. The Notepad app gives a good
example of this along with monitoring events, connect events and such. Giving
you an alert warning if a duplicate has opened up.
Bruce
Sent: Tuesday, December 24, 2013 3:42 PM
Subject: Re: Focusing Open Windows
Hi Bruce,
Okay, here's something which occurred to me which might save us all a
lot of trouble, assuming I'm right about this.
Back in the bad ol' days, if you clicked on an icon on the desktop for a
program which was already running, you ran the risk of opening a second
copy of the program, such that it could destabilize the first instance
of the program, and the second instance would be functionally useless as
well.
Take GWConnect, as an example. I have it running, and when I go to the
desktop, and press Enter on its icon, its program window comes to the
foreground; I looked in the process list in the task manager, and I only
see one process listed. Therefore, if I want a hotkey for the GWConnect
window to come to the foreground, all I need to do is assign a hotkey to
the desktop shortcut. The same was true when I tested my email client,
Mozilla Thunderbird.
Now, I am running Windows 7 64-bit, and the behaviour I have described
is either a feature of the operating system, or it is a result of an
error-checking routine built into these two programs, that is, GWConnect
and Mozilla Thunderbird.
I would appreciate any feedback on this subject.
Much thanks, and a Happy Christmas Eve, to all,
Rod
On 12/24/13 2:30 PM, LB wrote:
Hi!
You could save those hotkeys in an .ini file and match the hotkey with
the class/title of the window.
I think that would be possible and I thought Chip had done something on
it.
In scripting just monitor the open window event and capture the name and
other numbers you may need to use for the .ini file.
I could test one out real quick if I don't get side track then post it on
the list if it works.
Bruce
Sent: Tuesday, December 24, 2013 2:00 PM
Subject: Re: Focusing Open Windows
Hi Rod,
I have used Autohotkey to make that Winlist program.
With Autohotkey you can do what you want, but with Window-Eyes scripting it
must be possible too, but I cannot help you with that.
Oh, there is an app: Hotwind
by Chip Orange.
It is possible to assign hotkeys ctrl-1-9 to the windows that are open at that
time.
Maybe something you want.
After each reboot, you have to reassign the hotkeys, because the program looks
to open windows.
Regards, marten
Regards, Marten
On Tue, 24 Dec 2013 13:47:54 -0500 Rod Hutton <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Martin,
Yes, thanks, that's the idea. Now, what I would like to be able to do is to
assign a hot key to, say, my Mozilla Thunderbird and GWConnect windows, so that
I could just flip to them when I want. I'm wondering what would be involved in
making it possible to have permanent hot keys assigned to any detected windows,
based upon Window Title and/or Class name.
I'm just contemplating the possibilities, but I certainly appreciate your
sharing your app.
Take care,
Rod
On 12/24/13 12:28 PM, Marten Post Uiterweer wrote:
Rod,
Maybe this is not wat you are looking for, but I have made a small program to
create such a list.
Start winlist.exe and you will get a list of open windows. Enter to focus the
window.
It is not a Window-Eyes app, but you can start it from an app or by assigning a
shortcut.
You can download it from:
http://www.p-u.demon.nl/winlist.zip
Regards, Marten
On Tue, 24 Dec 2013 12:14:52 -0500 Rod Hutton <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi,
Can anyone recommend a program or easy way to bring focus to one or more open
windows using hot keys. I could write an app to do it, but there's no point
reinventing the wheel.
Thanks.
Rod
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