calling BAT files and/or Windows Script

[FMguest]

Hi,

I'm using FileMaker 6 on Windows XP.

1. Is it possible to create script that calls a BAT file or Windows Script ?

2. How the BAT file or Windows Script can retun a string back to FileMaker?

(the result of the execution - failure code or string if succesful)

3.How do I store the returned value in a FileMaker field?

If possible, could you please post some sample scripts?

Thank you for the help!

[-Queue-]

Yes, use the Send Message script step with the path to your batch file and any parameters you may need in the Text box.

You can have the batch file populate a text file with the return string and Import the result into a global field in FM. Make sure the text file is deleted at the beginning of the batch script, and have FM loop until the import is successful or a global number field, functioning as a loop counter, exceeds a particular value, e.g.

Allow User Abort [Off]

Set Error Capture [On]

Set Field [gnum, 0]

Send Message

Loop

Import Records [Restore, No dialog, somefile.txt]

Exit Loop If [not Status(CurrentError) or gnum = 10000]

Set Field [gnum, gnum + 1]

End Loop