Programming Forums > Application Development > Visual Basic

slarti · Dec 1st, 2005, 6:01 PM

I want to set a function key to execute a command from the cmd in windows XP. I saw an article similar to this at MSDN but I don't think that this is what I need.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

I like the way it is headed, basically detect when a function key is pressed and then perform an action. Can this be done?

Rory · Dec 2nd, 2005, 1:46 PM

A function key (F1 - F16) has a scan code just like any other, this article is just on capturing presses when an application window has focus. If you want to catch them on a more global level (i.e. when your application does not have focus), you can use DirectInput, windows hotkeys or lower-level keyboard hooks, the latter also allowing you to capture the "action buttons" on media keyboards.

slarti · Dec 2nd, 2005, 3:13 PM

Thanks for your response. I have just started looking into VB. I am a systems admin with a little web development(php scripting) experience. I find I need to do things that i cannot do with the native admin consoles and would like to learn how to make my own.

Can you recommend a good book on starting Vb that has subjects like this in it?

Dec 1st, 2005, 6:01 PM	#1
slarti Newbie Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	Capturing Key commands, then executing command I want to set a function key to execute a command from the cmd in windows XP. I saw an article similar to this at MSDN but I don't think that this is what I need. http://support.microsoft.com/default...1&PA=1&SD=HSCH I like the way it is headed, basically detect when a function key is pressed and then perform an action. Can this be done?

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Dec 2nd, 2005, 1:46 PM	#2
Rory Expert Programmer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: London Posts: 542 Rep Power: 4	A function key (F1 - F16) has a scan code just like any other, this article is just on capturing presses when an application window has focus. If you want to catch them on a more global level (i.e. when your application does not have focus), you can use DirectInput, windows hotkeys or lower-level keyboard hooks, the latter also allowing you to capture the "action buttons" on media keyboards.

Dec 2nd, 2005, 3:13 PM	#3
slarti Newbie Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	Thanks for your response. I have just started looking into VB. I am a systems admin with a little web development(php scripting) experience. I find I need to do things that i cannot do with the native admin consoles and would like to learn how to make my own. Can you recommend a good book on starting Vb that has subjects like this in it?

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Programming Forums > Application Development > Visual Basic

Capturing Key commands, then executing command