How do you open a program through a webpage?

[Kaido]

I'm trying to figure out how to launch apps on my local computer through a web page in IE. Right now, linking to the .exe gives me the "do you wanna download it" dialog box. What's the trick for getting apps to launch through HTML?

 

[mikecel79]

Are you using IIS to serve these pages up or are you just running HTML files from a folder on your machine? If you are using IIS you need to add localhost to your trusted sites zone or if your using a folder you need to put that path in the trusted sites zone.

 

[tk11]

Why not use software that suited to that task... like remote control software. Try VNC or Remote Administrator, they both allow full control over the remote system so you can not only start a program but use it. Otherwise you'll probably have to use some form of server side scripting.

 

[EULA]

Originally posted by: Kaido
I'm trying to figure out how to launch apps on my local computer through a web page in IE. Right now, linking to the .exe gives me the "do you wanna download it" dialog box. What's the trick for getting apps to launch through HTML?

bah, i tried to do this many moons ago... I even requested here... I don't think it's possible...

Wait, I think I remember that it IS possible, if you use an IE version prior to 5... That didn't help me much, so I ended up giving up. I don't think it's possible because of the large security risk it could pose, however If anyone does figure it out, I'd be very interested in it!

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: tk11
Why not use software that suited to that task... like remote control software. Try VNC or Remote Administrator, they both allow full control over the remote system so you can not only start a program but use it. Otherwise you'll probably have to use some form of server side scripting.

Well, I'm making a portal for our company intranet and each person has different programs. Our ordering people use certain stuff, our sales person use certain apps, etc. I want the standard company stuff on there, as well as links to launch their own apps. I set them up with links to open files such as .xls and .doc, as well as server folders and local folders, but I want apps just on their computer that they can add. Just a convenience thing.

 

[daniel1113]

You will need to configure the security settings of each client computer to do that. I mean, think of the security risks associated with such a thing.

 

[tk11]

I believe this page has some javascript that your looking for. Getting rid of the security warnings that executing the code will bring up is another issue.



<a href="javascript:LaunchApp()">Launch the executable</a>

<script>
function LaunchApp() {
if (!document.all) {
alert ("Available only with Internet Explorer.");
return;
}
var ws = new ActiveXObject("WScript.Shell");
ws.Exec("C:\\Program Files\\Adobe\\Photoshop 6.0\\Photoshp.exe");
}
</script>