sys_shell and out of memory

[Robert Picard]

Hi

I am trying to use sys_shell but when I execute the following command line I get an OUT OF MEMORY error message.

sys_shell("C:\ZIP-IT.EXE /Ed:\shipping\updates.cfu")

I've looked at the X-basic manual no mention is made about memory usage or problems

Thanks for the help.

Robert

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: sys_shell and out of memory


Robert,

First thing I'd verify is that this sequence of characters will work correctly:

C:\ZIP-IT.EXE /Ed:\shipping\updates.cfu

-- tom

[Robert Picard]

RE: sys_shell and out of memory

Hi Tom

I first created a short cut on my desktop using this command line. The short cut ran fine. I then copied the target line to my script. It won't work. I also tried to run only the EXE file zipit.exe but still the same message.

Thanks

Robert

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: sys_shell and out of memory


Robert, try this. Put the command line in a batch file, verify that it works correctly, and then use Sys_shell() to run the batch file.

-- tom

[Robert Picard]

RE: sys_shell and out of memory

Hi Tom

I tried it and it works. One interesting point though. When I changed the command line in sys_shell I mispelled the batch file name and got an out of memory message when I tried to run it.

When I fixed the typo it ran fine. So I am looking at my original command line trying to see if the syntax or spelling is wrong but cannot see a problem.

The other thing, a DOS window opens when I run the batch file and does not close after completion. I would rather not have it popup at all but at the very least close when done.

Hope fully you have an answer for this.

Thanks

Robert

[Robert Picard]

RE: sys_shell and out of memory

Hi Tom

OOOOPS....Forgot about the window mode option. It now runs mimimized but still is not closing.

Thanks

Robert.

[Ken L Herrold]

RE: sys_shell and out of memory

Bob:

Have the last line of the batch as 'Exit' and the window will stay open only for the duration of the batch processing -- then close.

Geez, if someone can tell use how to run it without showing the dos windows, I'd love it.

You're also right - bad syntax, especially in a batch will produce the 'out of memory message'.

Ken

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: sys_shell and out of memory


Search message board for threads dealing with batch files, you'll find suggestions for closing the batch process automatically I believe.

-- tom

[William Kohlnstein]

RE: sys_shell and out of memory

if you are running on 95/98/ME and you want the batch file to close automatically, go to the batchfile porperties, command, and check closeonexit - that will create a shortcut to the batchfile - then rename the batchfile shortcut to the same name as the batch file - this will have it run and close automatically

widow mode 2 runs minimized

like sys_shell("myoffice.bat",2)

[Robert Picard]

RE: sys_shell and out of memory

Hi Everyone

Thanks for all the info.

Robert

[Edward F. Schulz]

RE: sys_shell and out of memory

Will run silent do it?
efs

[whanigsberg]

RE: sys_shell and out of memory

Unfortunately not.

Run silent is internal to A5 and the batch file is obviously outside. So you have to control the properties of the session which the OS creates for the batch file.

If the foregoing makes it sound like I understand these matters please do not be deceived. However, a solution along the lines William Kohlnstein suggests was described on the message board some time ago, perhaps so far in the past that it is on the *old* board.

Bill

[Robert Picard]

RE: sys_shell and out of memory

Hi

For everyones information Williams answer works best for me.

I had already set the window option to "2". Opening up the properties and selecting close on exit does the trick.

Thanks again to everyone because all your contributions gave me and others more insights into the workings of alpha and windows.

Robert

[JerryBrightbill]

RE: sys_shell and out of memory

One problem you may have running a batch file occurs if you need to verify the batch file is complete. This would occur if you need the result of the batch file for another process. One way to do this is include as file copy operation as the last line in the batch file and then check for the existence of the file. If it isn't there, the batch is not complete.

Here is part of an example where I use xbasic to write the batch file.

I first set the value for two variables, local_path and private_path. These are the location where the batch file runs and the a5 private path. I also set up an error checker using on error to stopt the batch file if it times out. back is the pointer for the batch file.

back.write_line("copy "+chr(34)+local_path+batch+chr(34)+" "+chr(34)+private_path+"\done.txt"+chr(34))
back.flush()
back.close()
timer = toseconds(time())

if file.exists(:A5.Get_Private_Path()+"\done.txt")
file.remove(:A5.Get_Private_Path()+"\done.txt")
end if

sys_shell(:A5.Get_Path()+batch)

while .not.file.exists(:A5.Get_Private_Path()+"\done.txt")
if toseconds(time()) - timer > 60
error_generate("Timed Out Error")
exit while
end if
end while

The script stops at this point until one of two things happen. Either the batch file times out at 60 seconds, or the file done.txt is written by the batch file indicating it is done.

Jerry

[Robert Picard]

RE: sys_shell and out of memory

Hi Jerry

Thanks for the idea.


Robert