Scheduling Macros

[dozer2014]

Made up a BATCH job that loads MMMacros using nested IF statements. I changed some specifics such as computer names. Have been using it for a few weeks now and it works fine. Worked all the "glitches" out of it. It's pretty self explanatory and I'll attach it. Problem I'm having is loading it when the machine boots. It loads the routines and then does it again and again and again. Pretty soon I'm overrun with MMM Icons and the only way I can stop it is to delete the BATCH file before it tries to load it. :-)) No, I haven't got it set to repeat...............


@echo off

rem

if %computername%==DESKTOP-SYSTEM1 set DT=1

if %computername%==DESKTOP-SYSTEM2 set DT=2

rem

set weekday=%date:~0,3%

set dayno=%date:~7,2%

set hr=%time:~0,2%%time:~3,2%

rem

set dir1=C:\MMM\

set dir2=C:\MMM\

rem

ECHO %DT%

ECHO %weekday%

ECHO %dayno%

ECHO %hr%

ECHO %dir1%

ECHO %dir2%

rem

rem ********************************************** DESKTOP-SYSTEM1-DT1-AGE UPDATE MOVIES **************************************************

rem if %DT%==1 (if %hr% LEQ 825 start "" %dir1%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir1%DT1-Setup-Age-Update-AM.mmmacro")

rem

rem ********************************************** DESKTOP-SYSTEM2-DT2-AGE UPDATE MOVIES **************************************************

if %DT%==2 (if %hr% LEQ 825 start "" %dir2%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir2%DT2-Setup-Age-Update-AM.mmmacro")

rem

rem ********************************************** DESKTOP-SYSTEM2-DT2-9AM WITHOUT CLOUD **************************************************

if %DT%==2 (if %hr% LEQ 855 start "" %dir2%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir2%DT2-Normal-Backup-9AM.mmmacro")

rem

rem ********************************************** DESKTOP-SYSTEM2-DT2-9AM WITH CLOUD *****************************************************

rem if %DT%==2 (if %weekday% NEQ Sun (if %hr% LEQ 855 start "" %dir2%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir2%DT2-Normal-Backup-9AM.mmmacro"))

rem if %DT%==2 (if %weekday% EQU Sun (if %hr% LEQ 855 (if %dayno% LEQ 27 start "" %dir2%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir2%DT2-Full-Backup-Archive-With-Cloud-9AM-A.mmmacro")))

rem if %DT%==2 (if %weekday% EQU Sun (if %hr% LEQ 855 (if %dayno% GTR 27 start "" %dir2%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir2%DT2-Full-Backup-Archive-With-Cloud-9AM-M.mmmacro")))

rem

rem ********************************************** DESKTOP-SYSTEM1-DT1-1PM WITHOUT CLOUD **************************************************

rem if %DT%==1 (if %hr% LEQ 1255 start "" %dir1%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir1%DT1-Normal-Backup-1PM.mmmacro")

rem

rem ********************************************** DESKTOP-SYSTEM1-DT1-1PM WITH CLOUD *****************************************************

if %DT%==1 (if %weekday% NEQ Sun (if %hr% LEQ 1255 start "" %dir1%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir1%DT1-Normal-Backup-1PM.mmmacro"))

if %DT%==1 (if %weekday% EQU Sun (if %hr% LEQ 1255 (if %dayno% LEQ 27 start "" %dir1%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir1%DT1-Full-Backup-Archive-With-Cloud-1PM-A.mmmacro")))

if %DT%==1 (if %weekday% EQU Sun (if %hr% LEQ 1255 (if %dayno% GTR 27 start "" %dir1%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir1%DT1-Full-Backup-Archive-With-Cloud-1PM-M.mmmacro")))

rem

rem ********************************************** DESKTOP-SYSTEM2-DT2-5PM ****************************************************************

if %DT%==2 (if %hr% LEQ 1655 start "" %dir2%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir2%DT2-Normal-Backup-5PM.mmmacro")

rem

rem ********************************************** DESKTOP-SYSTEM1-DT1-7PM ****************************************************************

if %DT%==1 (if %hr% LEQ 1855 start "" %dir1%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir1%DT1-Delete-Old-Reports-7PM.mmmacro")

rem

rem ********************************************** DESKTOP-SYSTEM2-DT2-7PM ****************************************************************

rem if %DT%==2 (if %hr% LEQ 1855 start "" %dir2%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir2%DT2-Delete-Old-Reports-7PM.mmmacro")

rem

rem ********************************************** DESKTOP-SYSTEM1-DT1-9PM ****************************************************************

if %DT%==1 (if %hr% LEQ 2055 start "" %dir1%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir1%DT1-Normal-Backup-9PM.mmmacro")

rem

rem ********************************************** DESKTOP-SYSTEM1-DT1 ********************************************************************

if %DT%==1 (if %hr% LEQ 2155 start "" %dir1%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir1%DT1-Schedule-ShutDown.mmmacro")

rem

rem ********************************************** DESKTOP-SYSTEM2-DT2 ********************************************************************

if %DT%==2 (if %hr% LEQ 2155 start "" %dir2%minimousemacro.exe /m /e "%dir2%DT2-Schedule-ShutDown.mmmacro")

rem

EXIT

rem

[Steve]

How are you starting it when the machine boots?

Have you tried getting rid of batch all together...the whole batch job could be run in MMM without the need for a batch file.

The IF TIME (www.turnssoft.com/conditions.html#time) condition could be what you are after.

1 | IF | TIME | 1:50:22 PM | IS BEFORE CURRENT TIME | RUN VIA CMD /C | start D:\Macro\MiniMouseMacro /e "d:\macro\_10 events.mmmacro"

You've got file association enabled so if you were going to go down this path you could save the mmm script (.mmmacro) in your startup path.

[dozer2014]

That's what I was considering on doing. The only problem was the "Sun" for Sunday which I mentioned to add to the program. As it's set up now, the initial MMM is a one liner that runs the batch job and then the batch job selectively starts the "Scheduled" MMM's. The one liner is run buy your MMM Queue and gives me the attachment to the quick key. It does not do an EXIT, because I want to keep it "open" for use. All the others terminate. Wanted to get your thoughts. I'm thinking about trying to make the one liner include the first MMM in the batch and remove it from the batch. See what that does.......

[dozer2014]

Steve,

This is what I've got so far...... Tried "terminating" the "one liner" that runs the batch job. Thought for sure that would stop the looping. It didn't. Then I made up one that was MMM. That one looped too. Tried setting up batch to run from the Windows Task Scheduler and it loaded fine.

1 | RUN ACTION | RUN VIA CMD /c | C:\BATCH\SCHEDULE.BAT
2 | RUN ACTION | EXIT

1 | IF | TIME | 12:55:00 PM | IS BEFORE CURRENT TIME | CONTINUE
2 | RUN ACTION | RUN VIA CMD /c | start "" C:\MYFILES\MMM\minimousemacro.exe /m /e "C:\MYFILES\MMM\DT1-Normal-Backup-1PM.mmmacro"
3 | IF | TIME | 08:55:00 PM | IS BEFORE CURRENT TIME | CONTINUE
4 | RUN ACTION | RUN VIA CMD /c | start "" C:\MYFILES\MMM\minimousemacro.exe /m /e "C:\MYFILES\MMM\DT1-Normal-Backup-9PM.mmmacro"
5 | IF | TIME | 10:25:00 PM | IS BEFORE CURRENT TIME | CONTINUE
6 | RUN ACTION | RUN VIA CMD /c | start "" C:\MYFILES\MMM\minimousemacro.exe /m /e "C:\MYFILES\MMM\DT1-Schedule-ShutDown.mmmacro"

I set it up so I could load them individually or separately. Loops either way. Has a 10 second delay for the start up and there's about a 10 second delay between the loops.

[Steve]

Not sure about this looping issue but the batch from Win task scheduler looks solid. nice one.

[dozer2014]

Thanks..........
One quick one. Where do you get the name that goes with the WINDOW TITLE instruction. Some are obvious, some not. I'm trying to make my macro wait to run the save if a window is open. I set up an instruction for Widows key + M: Minimize all open windows, but I'd rather have it wait until I'm done with the internet and I close Chrome or what ever may be running.

Another thing to consider for future versions is the ability for 3 quick keys. When I record Windows key + Shift + M it separates them, hence they are not all pressed at the same time on playback.

[Steve]

The WINDOW TITLE is the name of the Window title. Your right, some are obvious and some are not and multiple tabs in a browser can complicate it a little more.

Have you thought of using PROCESS NAME or ID (if you know the PID) instead of WINDOW TITLE.

For Firefox: (if the process name 'firefox' does not exist then CONTINUE the macro)
2 | IF | PROCESS NAME | firefox | NOT EXIST | CONTINUE

[dozer2014]

No, I haven't tried it that way. So the Window Title in not the same as the name shown in the Task Manager.............. Didn't think so. Wasn't working. :-)) I was trying to have it check on Chrome. Explorer was easy, but not a damn thing I've tried has worked for Chrome. Thanks.............

[dozer2014]

Thanks Steve,

Process name works a whole lot better.

Tom

[dozer2014]

Proceeding with the same process. This is driving me nuts. Tried it with a loop at first and wouldn't loop. Now I'm just trying to do a simple counter and I can't get it to stop looping. I suspect something in the code is wrong, but I can't find it. It's so simple it's ridiculous. I put the wait in there to slow it down and see it better. It's not counting, so I suspect there is something wrong with line 2. I've tried a number of variations, but I can't get it to work.

1 | RUN ACTION | DEFINE INTEGER VARIABLE | %INTEGER% | 1
2 | RUN ACTION | DEFINE INTEGER VARIABLE | %INTEGER%::+1
3 | IF | PROCESS NAME | Notepad++ | NOT EXIST | CONTINUE
4 | RUN ACTION | WAIT SECONDS | 1
5 | IF | PROCESS NAME | Chrome | NOT EXIST | CONTINUE
6 | RUN ACTION | WAIT SECONDS | 1
7 | IF | PROCESS NAME | wmplayer | NOT EXIST | CONTINUE
8 | RUN ACTION | WAIT SECONDS | 1
9 | IF | PROCESS NAME | music | NOT EXIST | CONTINUE
10 | RUN ACTION | WAIT SECONDS | 1
11 | IF | PROCESS NAME | movies5 | NOT EXIST | CONTINUE
12 | RUN ACTION | WAIT SECONDS | 1
13 | IF | WINDOW TITLE | file explorer | NOT EXIST | CONTINUE
14 | IF | INTEGER VARIABLE | %INTEGER% | < | 4 | GOTO MACRO LINE | 2
15 | RUN ACTION | MESSAGE PROMPT | I'll be a Son of a Bitch! It worked!::Mini Mouse Macro Test::10

[Steve]

Looks like a small syntax error with line 1:

1 | RUN ACTION | DEFINE INTEGER VARIABLE | %INTEGER% | 1

Should be:

1 | RUN ACTION | DEFINE INTEGER VARIABLE | %INTEGER%::1

(www.turnssoft.com/conditions.html#define_integer_variable)

Alternatively, you could use a FOR BLOCK:

- This FOR block will run from 0 to 4. if the process names do not exist it tells MMM that the for loop has been killed and to GOTO 'NEXT'

1 | FOR | I | = | 0 TO 4 | NEXT
2 | IF | PROCESS NAME | Notepad++ | NOT EXIST | EXIT FOR | AND | 2 | RUN ACTION | GOTO MACRO LINE | NEXT
3 | IF | PROCESS NAME | Chrome | NOT EXIST | EXIT FOR | AND | 3 | RUN ACTION | GOTO MACRO LINE | NEXT
4 | IF | PROCESS NAME | wmplayer | NOT EXIST | EXIT FOR | AND | 4 | RUN ACTION | GOTO MACRO LINE | NEXT
5 | IF | PROCESS NAME | music | NOT EXIST | EXIT FOR | AND | 5 | RUN ACTION | GOTO MACRO LINE | NEXT
6 | IF | PROCESS NAME | movies5 | NOT EXIST | EXIT FOR | AND | 6 | RUN ACTION | GOTO MACRO LINE | NEXT
7 | IF | WINDOW TITLE | file explorer | NOT EXIST | EXIT FOR
8 | FOR | NEXT
* | NEXT
9 | RUN ACTION | MESSAGE PROMPT | I'll be a Son of a Bitch! It worked!::Mini Mouse Macro Test::10
(www.turnssoft.com/conditions.html#for)

[dozer2014]

Thanks a bunch Steve. Just could not see that one. I'll never be as anal as a computer. I'm not sure if that would be a good thing or not............... When I tried it with the FOR BLOCK I omitted the * | NEXT

[dozer2014]

Going back to the first one with just the counter. I'll figure out the BLOCK after I get this one resolved. This is obviously just a little "test" routine. I can get you the log if needed, but I don't want to "clutter up" your forum. This is what I'm doing for a test. First open an explorer window, then mediaplayer then chrome. After they're opened I start the macro. First close chrome, then mediaplayer and then open notepad++ then close explorer and last of all close notepad++. I can tell by the progress bar it's doing what it's supposed to. It has to loop to catch notepad++. Problem is that it never gives me the message and just runs away. I have to stop it manually. I found that explorer is a little different. If I do a process on explorer, it never stops running whether the window is open or not. For window it's file explorer and for process it's just explorer. You probably already know that.

[Steve]

It's a little hard to understand exactly what your trying to achieve. I think you are going to have paste your MMM log. The more info the better.

What exactly are you trying to achieve with your test routine? Are you trying test process and window title detection or the integer counter loop?

The looping is solid from your example...with the syntax fix.

Is it WINDOW TITLE you are having issues with?

Also you can use MMM to open these windows or applications and catch the focus with WINDOW TITLE:

1 | RUN ACTION | RUN PROGRAM | explorer.exe
2 | IF | WINDOW TITLE | file explorer | EXIST | CONTINUE

1 | RUN ACTION | RUN VIA CMD /C | explorer.exe
2 | IF | WINDOW TITLE | file explorer | EXIST | CONTINUE

....not sure if that helps

[dozer2014]

Trying to handle possibilities. The idea is for the scheduled backup batch job to wait until all windows are closed before running if any are open. To run it straight through works fine, but does not account for the situation of opening a window that it's already passed. Make sense? I'm just trying to get it working for now, then I'll add it in when it does. I keep programming examples that work for reference. I don't do this often enough and lots of times I have to "re-learn" it. I'm not a programmer, but I do know allot about it. I've written DB's in Clarion, Access, PAL, etc. not to mention batch, Verifone and some others. I'll go back to my Access DB to fix or change something and I don't remember how I did it in the first place. I have to figure it all out again.