ONE Shortcut to start TWO Programs?

Tags:

Windows

handy

Utility

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kev100 April 20, 2005 at 22:39:51 Pacific
Specs: XP HOME, Pent/512

Is this possible?
I've got 2 Windows-based programs that need to always start at the same time. One is a little utility that allows the main program to print (long story)....but, for the users, it would be awfully handy for them not to have to click twice.
I'm familiar with the old CALL command in DOS bat files (handy)...but don't know if there's an XP equivalent.
The only other option I know of is to have that print utility load with Windows...but then it's in memory if it's needed or not.
Any suggestions appreciated.
THANKS

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cyanide42 April 20, 2005 at 23:01:35 Pacific

Startup Control Panel created by Mike Lin is a very handy freeware tool for gaining complete control over exactly what starts up when you turn on your computer and begin your Windows session.
http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml
You can add/edit/remove processes easily using this tool. You might try adding the startup processes on a per-user basis.

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kev100 April 20, 2005 at 23:19:30 Pacific

Thanks for that ref....I'll check that out if there is not a "start-2-programs-with-one-shortcut" method.
This is preferred, if at all possible, b/c it allows that utility program to Only load when needed, rather than every time Windows boots.

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nooner April 20, 2005 at 23:32:35 Pacific

Open notepad
type
Start "" "C:\Program\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware SE Personal\Ad-aware.exe"
Start "" "C:\Program\WinZip\winzip32.exe"
(change the path and program name)
save as whatever.bat
you can possibly use @echo off as a first line if you wish
did it work?

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kev100 April 21, 2005 at 08:52:08 Pacific

Nooner...
Hey...thanks...that worked like a charm. So...the regular 'ol DOS bat file lines work in XP?
I've never really tried it and just presumed they wouldn't.
Think the "pause" will work too (or something to make the bat wait a couple of seconds before the second programs loads)?
I'll give that a try.
THANKS

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