Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

**Terry Olsen** · Mar 15 '06, 03:55 AM

Re: Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt("notepad.exe ", "mydocument.txt ")

"Chris Johnson" <cjohnson@cskau to.com> wrote in message
news:%23aV3ci9R GHA.336@TK2MSFT NGP12.phx.gbl.. .[color=blue]
>
> I have what seems to be such a simple thing yet I cannot figure out how
> to do it.
>
> I am using a streamwriter to build a text file. At the end of the
> process I want to open that same text file in notepad so the user can
> see what was built.
>
> I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get the text file to open
> up in notepad on the screen. All the processes I have tried opens the
> file into the filestream again.
>
> *** Sent via Developersdex http://www.developersdex.com ***[/color]

**Peter Macej** · Mar 15 '06, 08:45 AM

Re: Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

> System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt("notepad.exe ", "mydocument.txt ")

This is correct and it always opens the file in Notepad. As many of us
use different program as default editor, it is better to automatically
open the file in associated application. That's even easier:

System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt("mydocument. txt")

--
Peter Macej
Helixoft - http://www.vbdocman.com
VBdocman - Automatic generator of technical documentation for VB, VB
..NET and ASP .NET code

**Chas Large** · Mar 15 '06, 12:05 PM

Re: Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

Hi Peter,
This was something that I also wanted to do. I would like to include the
program installation path in the file name and tried:

System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt(Application. StartupPath & "\filename.pdf" )

But this did not work I have to use:

System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt("C:\Program
Files\Myprogram s\Program\filen ame.pdf")

which works OK.

Is there a way to include the program path as the program could be installed
in a different location?
--
Cheers
Chas

***************
* Spectrum is Green *
***************

"Peter Macej" wrote:
[color=blue][color=green]
> > System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt("notepad.exe ", "mydocument.txt ")[/color]
>
> This is correct and it always opens the file in Notepad. As many of us
> use different program as default editor, it is better to automatically
> open the file in associated application. That's even easier:
>
> System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt("mydocument. txt")
>
>
> --
> Peter Macej
> Helixoft - http://www.vbdocman.com
> VBdocman - Automatic generator of technical documentation for VB, VB
> ..NET and ASP .NET code
>[/color]

**Phill W.** · Mar 15 '06, 01:15 PM

Re: Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

"Chas Large" <ChasLarge@disc ussions.microso ft.com> wrote in message
news:431A80AC-03BF-4E52-9FEB-F06A28459105@mi crosoft.com...
[color=blue]
> System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt(Application. StartupPath &
> "\filename.pdf" )
>
> But this did not work ...[/color]

Look at the ProcessStartInf o class - its UseShellExecute property allows
you to "launch" files just like explorer.

Imports SI=System.IO

Dim ps as New ProcessStartInf o()
With ps
.Filename = SI.Path.Combine ( Application.Sta rtupPath, "filename.p df" )
.UseShellEexecu te = True
End With

Dim p as New Process
p.StartInfo = ps
p.Start()

HTH,
Phill W.

**Terry Olsen** · Mar 15 '06, 02:05 PM

Re: Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

What is the difference between
UseShellExecute =True and UseShellExecute =False?

When should each be used?

"Phill W." <p-.a-.w-a-r-d@o-p-e-n.a-c.u-k> wrote in message
news:dv930r$ins $1@yarrow.open. ac.uk...[color=blue]
>
> "Chas Large" <ChasLarge@disc ussions.microso ft.com> wrote in message
> news:431A80AC-03BF-4E52-9FEB-F06A28459105@mi crosoft.com...
>[color=green]
>> System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt(Application. StartupPath &
>> "\filename.pdf" )
>>
>> But this did not work ...[/color]
>
> Look at the ProcessStartInf o class - its UseShellExecute property allows
> you to "launch" files just like explorer.
>
> Imports SI=System.IO
>
> Dim ps as New ProcessStartInf o()
> With ps
> .Filename = SI.Path.Combine ( Application.Sta rtupPath, "filename.p df" )
> .UseShellEexecu te = True
> End With
>
> Dim p as New Process
> p.StartInfo = ps
> p.Start()
>
> HTH,
> Phill W.
>
>[/color]

**Chas Large** · Mar 15 '06, 04:25 PM

Re: Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

Hi Phil,
Thanks for the speedy response.

I tried the code you suggest but when run it debugs out at

p.Start()

with the error:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An unhandled exception of type 'System.Compone ntModel.Win32Ex ception'
occurred in system.dll

Additional information: The system cannot find the file specified
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have double checked the code and ensured the Imports is OK.

I also tried adding a backslash to the filename "\filename. pdf" but still
get the error

Any ideas?

BTW whats HTH, ?

Here's the code I used:

Private Sub MenuItem4_Click (ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As
System.EventArg s) Handles MenuItem4.Click
'Open My File.PDF
Dim ps As New ProcessStartInf o
With ps
.FileName = SI.Path.Combine (Application.St artupPath, "\My
File.pdf")
.UseShellExecut e = True
End With
Dim p As New Process
p.StartInfo = ps
p.Start()

End Sub

--
Cheers
Chas

***************
* Spectrum is Green *
***************

"Phill W." wrote:
[color=blue]
>
> "Chas Large" <ChasLarge@disc ussions.microso ft.com> wrote in message
> news:431A80AC-03BF-4E52-9FEB-F06A28459105@mi crosoft.com...
>[color=green]
> > System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt(Application. StartupPath &
> > "\filename.pdf" )
> >
> > But this did not work ...[/color]
>
> Look at the ProcessStartInf o class - its UseShellExecute property allows
> you to "launch" files just like explorer.
>
> Imports SI=System.IO
>
> Dim ps as New ProcessStartInf o()
> With ps
> .Filename = SI.Path.Combine ( Application.Sta rtupPath, "filename.p df" )
> .UseShellEexecu te = True
> End With
>
> Dim p as New Process
> p.StartInfo = ps
> p.Start()
>
> HTH,
> Phill W.
>
>
>[/color]

**Chris Dunaway** · Mar 15 '06, 04:55 PM

Re: Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

Are you testing this through the debugger? If so, the StartupPath may
not have the value you expect.

I recommend you step through the code and then inspect the value of the
..FileName property and make sure that your file exists in that location.

**Chas Large** · Mar 15 '06, 05:05 PM

Re: Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

Hi Chris,
Thought that was it as I had only tested the debugger but then i rebuilt the
app and installer, installed and tested and got the same error.

BTW the line:

System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt("C:\Program Files\My Programs\Progra m\read
me.pdf")

Works just fine in both the debug and install versions so the file must be
in the right place.
--
Cheers
Chas

***************
* Spectrum is Green *
***************

"Chris Dunaway" wrote:
[color=blue]
> Are you testing this through the debugger? If so, the StartupPath may
> not have the value you expect.
>
> I recommend you step through the code and then inspect the value of the
> ..FileName property and make sure that your file exists in that location.
>
>[/color]

**Chas Large** · Mar 15 '06, 05:15 PM

Re: Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

And then I saw what I wrote. Of course it will work as it specifies the path.

I checked the debug path and yes the file was not in the BIN folder as
specified. I put a copy there, ran it again and still got the error.

Would it be anything to do with DOS Filenames or Long filenames or spaces in
the file name?
--
Cheers
Chas

***************
* Spectrum is Green *
***************

"Chas Large" wrote:
[color=blue]
> Hi Chris,
> Thought that was it as I had only tested the debugger but then i rebuilt the
> app and installer, installed and tested and got the same error.
>
> BTW the line:
>
> System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt("C:\Program Files\My Programs\Progra m\read
> me.pdf")
>
> Works just fine in both the debug and install versions so the file must be
> in the right place.
> --
> Cheers
> Chas
>
> ***************
> * Spectrum is Green *
> ***************
>
>
> "Chris Dunaway" wrote:
>[color=green]
> > Are you testing this through the debugger? If so, the StartupPath may
> > not have the value you expect.
> >
> > I recommend you step through the code and then inspect the value of the
> > ..FileName property and make sure that your file exists in that location.
> >
> >[/color][/color]

**james** · Mar 15 '06, 08:15 PM

Re: Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

Sometimes Application.Sta rtupPath doesn't always return the exact path to
the executing assembly. That is why I use this little function:

Private Function mypath() As String

Return _

Path.GetDirecto ryName([Assembly].GetExecutingAs sembly().Locati on)

End Function

Here is an example of using it, using your code and mine:

mports System.Reflecti on

Imports System.IO

Public Class Form1

Inherits System.Windows. Forms.Form

#Region " Windows Form Designer generated code "

Public Sub New()

MyBase.New()

'This call is required by the Windows Form Designer.

InitializeCompo nent()

'Add any initialization after the InitializeCompo nent() call

End Sub

'Form overrides dispose to clean up the component list.

Protected Overloads Overrides Sub Dispose(ByVal disposing As Boolean)

If disposing Then

If Not (components Is Nothing) Then

components.Disp ose()

End If

End If

MyBase.Dispose( disposing)

End Sub

'Required by the Windows Form Designer

Private components As System.Componen tModel.IContain er

'NOTE: The following procedure is required by the Windows Form Designer

'It can be modified using the Windows Form Designer.

'Do not modify it using the code editor.

Friend WithEvents Button1 As System.Windows. Forms.Button

<System.Diagnos tics.DebuggerSt epThrough()> Private Sub InitializeCompo nent()

Me.Button1 = New System.Windows. Forms.Button

Me.SuspendLayou t()

'

'Button1

'

Me.Button1.Loca tion = New System.Drawing. Point(144, 40)

Me.Button1.Name = "Button1"

Me.Button1.TabI ndex = 0

Me.Button1.Text = "Button1"

'

'Form1

'

Me.AutoScaleBas eSize = New System.Drawing. Size(5, 13)

Me.ClientSize = New System.Drawing. Size(616, 266)

Me.Controls.Add (Me.Button1)

Me.Name = "Form1"

Me.Text = "Form1"

Me.ResumeLayout (False)

End Sub

#End Region

Private Sub Button1_Click(B yVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As
System.EventArg s) Handles Button1.Click

'Open My File.PDF

Dim ps As New ProcessStartInf o

With ps

..FileName = mypath() & ("\Manual.pdf") ' name of pdf file located in the Bin
Folder in this test app.

..UseShellExecu te = True

End With

Dim p As New Process

p.StartInfo = ps

p.Start()

End Sub

Private Function mypath() As String

Return _

Path.GetDirecto ryName([Assembly].GetExecutingAs sembly().Locati on)

End Function

End Class

The above code works. I changed a couple of things from what you had.

james

"Chas Large" <ChasLarge@disc ussions.microso ft.com> wrote in message
news:D81F5B16-2FC8-4D00-90E2-B20C2035916B@mi crosoft.com...[color=blue]
> Hi Phil,
> Thanks for the speedy response.
>
> I tried the code you suggest but when run it debugs out at
>
> p.Start()
>
> with the error:
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> An unhandled exception of type 'System.Compone ntModel.Win32Ex ception'
> occurred in system.dll
>
> Additional information: The system cannot find the file specified
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> I have double checked the code and ensured the Imports is OK.
>
> I also tried adding a backslash to the filename "\filename. pdf" but still
> get the error
>
> Any ideas?
>
> BTW whats HTH, ?
>
> Here's the code I used:
>
> Private Sub MenuItem4_Click (ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As
> System.EventArg s) Handles MenuItem4.Click
> 'Open My File.PDF
> Dim ps As New ProcessStartInf o
> With ps
> .FileName = SI.Path.Combine (Application.St artupPath, "\My
> File.pdf")
> .UseShellExecut e = True
> End With
> Dim p As New Process
> p.StartInfo = ps
> p.Start()
>
>
> End Sub
>
>
> --
> Cheers
> Chas
>
> ***************
> * Spectrum is Green *
> ***************
>
>
> "Phill W." wrote:
>[color=green]
>>
>> "Chas Large" <ChasLarge@disc ussions.microso ft.com> wrote in message
>> news:431A80AC-03BF-4E52-9FEB-F06A28459105@mi crosoft.com...
>>[color=darkred]
>> > System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt(Application. StartupPath &
>> > "\filename.pdf" )
>> >
>> > But this did not work ...[/color]
>>
>> Look at the ProcessStartInf o class - its UseShellExecute property allows
>> you to "launch" files just like explorer.
>>
>> Imports SI=System.IO
>>
>> Dim ps as New ProcessStartInf o()
>> With ps
>> .Filename = SI.Path.Combine ( Application.Sta rtupPath,
>> "filename.p df" )
>> .UseShellEexecu te = True
>> End With
>>
>> Dim p as New Process
>> p.StartInfo = ps
>> p.Start()
>>
>> HTH,
>> Phill W.
>>
>>
>>[/color][/color]

**james** · Mar 15 '06, 08:15 PM

Re: Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

Forgot to mention in my previous post, the filename(s) won't make a
difference as long as the pdf file is in the BIN folder where the executing
assembly is located. I tried it with spaces, short file names and long file
names and it works. Just won't work with reserved characters (which you
know).
james

"Chas Large" <ChasLarge@disc ussions.microso ft.com> wrote in message
news:4E959A6D-60E5-468A-A24E-91877D3FD4B4@mi crosoft.com...[color=blue]
> And then I saw what I wrote. Of course it will work as it specifies the
> path.
>
> I checked the debug path and yes the file was not in the BIN folder as
> specified. I put a copy there, ran it again and still got the error.
>
> Would it be anything to do with DOS Filenames or Long filenames or spaces
> in
> the file name?
> --
> Cheers
> Chas
>
> ***************
> * Spectrum is Green *
> ***************
>
>
> "Chas Large" wrote:
>[color=green]
>> Hi Chris,
>> Thought that was it as I had only tested the debugger but then i rebuilt
>> the
>> app and installer, installed and tested and got the same error.
>>
>> BTW the line:
>>
>> System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt("C:\Program Files\My
>> Programs\Progra m\read
>> me.pdf")
>>
>> Works just fine in both the debug and install versions so the file must
>> be
>> in the right place.
>> --
>> Cheers
>> Chas
>>
>> ***************
>> * Spectrum is Green *
>> ***************
>>
>>
>> "Chris Dunaway" wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>> > Are you testing this through the debugger? If so, the StartupPath may
>> > not have the value you expect.
>> >
>> > I recommend you step through the code and then inspect the value of the
>> > ..FileName property and make sure that your file exists in that
>> > location.
>> >
>> >[/color][/color][/color]

**VHD50** · Mar 17 '06, 04:05 PM

Re: Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

Hi Chas,
System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt(Application. StartupPath & "\filename.pdf" )
should work in your case. However, remember that during design time, your app
runs from projectname\bin folder, thus the Application.Sta rtupPath is this
folder (not C:\Program Files\Myprogram s\Program\filen ame.pdf"). So, to test
it, you need to put a copy of filename.pdf into the bin folder.
Hope this helps.
VHD50.

"Chas Large" wrote:
[color=blue]
> Hi Peter,
> This was something that I also wanted to do. I would like to include the
> program installation path in the file name and tried:
>
> System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt(Application. StartupPath & "\filename.pdf" )
>
> But this did not work I have to use:
>
> System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt("C:\Program
> Files\Myprogram s\Program\filen ame.pdf")
>
> which works OK.
>
> Is there a way to include the program path as the program could be installed
> in a different location?
> --
> Cheers
> Chas
>
> ***************
> * Spectrum is Green *
> ***************
>
>
> "Peter Macej" wrote:
>[color=green][color=darkred]
> > > System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt("notepad.exe ", "mydocument.txt ")[/color]
> >
> > This is correct and it always opens the file in Notepad. As many of us
> > use different program as default editor, it is better to automatically
> > open the file in associated application. That's even easier:
> >
> > System.Diagnost ics.Process.Sta rt("mydocument. txt")
> >
> >
> > --
> > Peter Macej
> > Helixoft - http://www.vbdocman.com
> > VBdocman - Automatic generator of technical documentation for VB, VB
> > ..NET and ASP .NET code
> >[/color][/color]

**umesh tiwari** · Apr 4 '06, 02:55 AM

Re: Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

*** Sent via Developersdex http://www.developersdex.com ***

Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

Open a Text File in Notepad using VB.Net 2005

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